In a major humanitarian initiative announced ahead of Eid Al Adha, the UAE has approved the cancellation of accumulated interest and profit charges on loans owed by low-income retirees across the country.

The financial relief package, launched under the directives of UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and closely followed by Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister, and Chairman of the Presidential Court, is being implemented by the Defaulted Debts Settlement Fund in partnership with several UAE banks. 

Valued at more than Dh834 million, the initiative is designed to ease financial pressures on 2,339 senior citizens while strengthening social stability and supporting family wellbeing across the country.

The initiative specifically targets Emirati retirees aged 50 and above who fall within limited-income categories.

Under the mechanism announced, participating banks will waive future interest and profit charges on outstanding loans while beneficiaries continue repaying only the original loan amount through flexible payment schedules.

Among the banks contributing to the initiative, Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank Group accounted for the largest share at Dh655 million, followed by First Abu Dhabi Bank with Dh150 million. Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank contributed Dh18.5 million, while Emirates NBD Group and Emirates Islamic Bank jointly provided Dh6.7 million.

Other participating institutions included Dubai Islamic Bank with Dh2.3 million, Commercial Bank of Dubai with Dh792,000, Sharjah Islamic Bank with Dh716,000 and the National Bank of Ras Al Khaimah with Dh566,000.

Officials confirmed that beneficiaries will be contacted directly by participating banks and financial institutions regarding the implementation process and revised repayment arrangements.

Mosques and Eid prayer grounds across the UAE are preparing to welcome thousands of worshippers as expected. Eid Al Adha prayer timings have been revealed across the country.

According to preliminary astronomical calculations, Eid prayers are likely to begin between 5:39am and 5:50am on the first morning of Eid Al Adha, following the traditional Islamic practice of holding prayers shortly after sunrise.

Abu Dhabi is expected to hold Eid prayers at around 5:50am, while worshippers in Dubai and Al Ain are anticipated to gather at 5:45am. Prayer timings in Sharjah and Umm Al Quwain are expected at 5:43am, Fujairah at 5:41am, Ras Al Khaimah at 5:40am and Ajman at approximately 5:39am.

Authorities have completed preparations at hundreds of mosques and open-air prayer grounds across the Emirates to accommodate the large crowds expected during the holiday.

Abu Dhabi timings

In Abu Dhabi, some of the main Eid prayer venues include Musalla Al Mushrif, Bani Yas Musalla, Mohammed bin Zayed City Musalla and the iconic Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque.

Dubai will also host large congregations at several designated prayer grounds, including Nad Al Hamar Musalla, Al Warqa Musalla, Jumeirah Musalla and Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Mosque in Zabeel.

Meanwhile, Sharjah authorities have identified major Eid prayer locations such as Al Badee Musalla, Al Gharb district Musalla and Al Khan Musalla, along with prayer sites on Abu Musa Island.

Worshippers observe several Sunnah traditions before attending the Eid prayers. These include bathing, wearing clean or new clothes, reciting takbeer while travelling to prayer grounds and delaying meals until after prayers and sacrificial rituals are completed.

Authorities across the UAE have stepped up preparations for the festive period, increasing services at mosques, public parks, shopping areas and recreational facilities ahead of the holiday rush.

If you’ve driven down Jumeirah Street, Airport Road, or along the Dubai Canal recently, you’ve likely noticed a spectacular change in the landscape. Striking canopies of vibrant orange and scarlet flowers are blanketing the city, signalling the arrival of a beloved local season: the flame tree’s (Delonix regia) bloom.

With more than 50,000 of these iconic trees already lining the emirate’s roads and parks, Dubai is set to grow even greener. A new sustainability initiative will see 1,200 more flame trees planted across the emirate’s streets, public squares, and communities over the coming months.

The green push follows an inspiring vision shared by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence, and Chairman of the Executive Council of Dubai, who described the tree as a symbol of “a city full of life and beauty.” Following his directives to expand the vibrant canopy, Dubai Municipality recently completed the planting of 1,000 flame trees along Amman Street and in Mirdif.

Now, outsourcing visa giant VFS Global has pledged to plant the next batch of 1,200 trees. The initiative is part of a global sustainability drive by the company, which has seen over 650,000 trees planted worldwide over the last four years to combat greenhouse gas emissions.

But why is Dubai investing so heavily in this specific tree? It turns out the flame tree offers far more than just a stunning backdrop for photos.

Nature’s own air conditioning

While many flowering plants struggle as the Arabian summer heat rolls in, the flame tree thrives. Originally native to Madagascar, the species has adapted strongly to the UAE’s climate over several decades, handling hot, humid conditions with ease.

Sourced locally from the Wadi Dafta Plantation, an Emirati-owned agricultural enterprise, these trees can reach towering heights of up to 15 meters. Their expansive, umbrella-like shape creates dense, natural shade that reduces heat exposure and creates cooler microclimates within urban environments, significantly improving pedestrian comfort during the hot summer months.

A boost for urban biodiversity

Beyond providing a natural cooling effect for concrete spaces, the tree plays a vital role in the emirate’s long-term environmental resilience. During its blooming season, the dense scarlet flowers attract a wide variety of birds, butterflies, and local pollinators, giving a much-needed boost to local urban biodiversity.

Growing the green canopy at home

The campaign isn’t just for major highways and public parks. To help the entire community get involved in Dubai’s green future, seedlings are also being made available to residents who wish to plant these beautiful, fiery canopies at home or on their private farms.

Whether it is lining a 10-km stretch on the city’s busy roads or shading a neighbourhood park, the flame tree has firmly cemented itself as a defining feature of the UAE summer, bringing natural comfort and a burst of life exactly when the city needs it most.