Latest news with #IslamicAffairsandCharitableActivitiesDepartment
Filipino Times
4 days ago
- Business
- Filipino Times
Dubai to upgrade religious infrastructure under new strategy
Dubai is set to enhance its religious infrastructure following a new strategy. Under an agreement signed between Dubai Municipality and the Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department, efforts will focus on preserving heritage mosques and improving the management of funeral and cemetery services. The initiative aims to create a unified vision for mosque design and construction while safeguarding the emirate's cultural, religious, and architectural heritage, the Dubai Government Media Office said. 'It strengthens our joint efforts to provide high-quality services that benefit the entire community while preserving the authentic character of historic mosques and prayer sites,' said Ahmad Bin Ghalita, director general of Dubai Municipality. 'The partnership also reflects our commitment to enhancing quality of life by developing public facilities that embody Dubai's cultural and religious identity, blending urban progress with heritage conservation,' he added. As part of the plan, Dubai Municipality will restore and maintain heritage mosques, ensuring their traditional character and architectural authenticity are preserved. Eid prayer grounds will also be upgraded to accommodate the emirate's urban and demographic growth, the media office said.
Sharjah 24
11-08-2025
- General
- Sharjah 24
Al Muntada Al Islami opens doors of hope for inmates
Targeting rehabilitation and social reintegration This distinguished activity is part of an extensive programme focused on Islamic culture, targeting inmates in correctional and reform institutions. The goal is to rehabilitate them and integrate them back into society, based on the tolerant principles of Islamic Sharia that call for forgiveness, reform, and building hope. Programme titled "building hope – a journey to life" Al Muntada holds this programme under the title "Building hope – a journey to life," offering specialised lectures and scientific courses combining authenticity and modernity. It covers concepts of moderation, balance, the foundations of positive coexistence, and the importance of social responsibility. The programme also includes practical workshops aimed at developing inmates' life skills and enhancing their cultural and knowledge abilities, enabling them to start a new life after serving their sentences. Importance of collaboration with correctional institutions Mohammed Hassan Al Dhaher, Mufti at Dubai's Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department and imam and preacher, emphasised the significance of implementing this cultural programme through fruitful cooperation with correctional institutions. He stated the goal is to enable inmates to acquire useful knowledge and instil positive values in them to strengthen their ability to integrate positively into society after release. He added that the programme gives special importance to integrating intellectual, practical, and spiritual aspects to ensure lasting impact. Fostering confidence and optimism among inmates Essa Al Balushi, Director of Cultural Programmes at Al Muntada, said this initiative stems from effective collaboration with correctional institutions. The goal is to empower inmates with confidence and hope in God's mercy, planting a spirit of positivity and optimism in their hearts to enhance their social reintegration after release. Culture as a foundation for reform and development Al Balushi affirmed that this initiative is based on a firm belief in culture's role in reform. Investing in human beings is the cornerstone of community development. He noted that previous experiences have proven the success of such programmes in changing inmates' mindsets and motivating them to commit to virtuous values and constructive work after release. Sharjah's role as a centre for moderate Islamic culture This distinguished cultural activity reflects the Al Muntada 's commitment, within Sharjah's integrated government work institutions, to consolidate its position as a cradle of moderate Islamic culture. It serves as a scientific and intellectual beacon that builds bridges of hope within society and offers inmates a real chance to begin a new life based on giving and belonging.
Time of India
09-08-2025
- Lifestyle
- Time of India
UAE: Over 3,600 people convert to Islam in Dubai in first half of 2025
The Centre held 47 awareness and knowledge classes in H1 2025, benefiting over 1,400 participants, alongside enrolling 1,300+ students in programmes/ Image: IACAD More than 3,600 people converted to Islam in Dubai in the first half of 2025, while hundreds more engaged with Islamic educational programmes and interactive initiatives, reflecting the growing impact of the city's cultural outreach efforts. Prominent conversions and engagements in H1 2025 The Mohammed bin Rashid Centre for Islamic Culture, under the Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department (IACAD) in Dubai, recorded a significant increase in conversions to Islam between January and June 2025. A total of more than 3,600 individuals embraced Islam during this six-month period. In addition to the conversions, the Centre saw over 1,300 students enroll in its various educational programmes. These initiatives are designed to provide structured learning about Islamic principles and practices. Furthermore, the Centre held 47 knowledge and awareness courses, benefiting more than 1,400 participants. These sessions were part of its broader educational efforts aimed at promoting values rooted in tolerance, cultural understanding, and religious knowledge. Another key outreach initiative, the 'Sustainable Knowledge Room', reached over 190 beneficiaries. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Drink This Before Bed – Melt Belly Fat And Flush Out Toxins Vitalgethealth Click Here Undo This immersive, technology-integrated educational space was created to enhance learning through interactive experiences. The Centre's Director, Jassim Al Khazraji, emphasized the comprehensive mission of the institution, which goes beyond education to foster intercultural dialogue. 'We work within a comprehensive vision aimed at building bridges of cultural and religious communication and presenting a bright image of Islam based on tolerance, knowledge, and dialogue, grounded in well-studied academic standards that meet the needs of new converts and those interested in Islamic culture alike,' he stated. The role and vision of IACAD The Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department (IACAD) is the governing authority behind Islamic and charitable efforts in Dubai. Established in 1969 by the late ruler HH Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum, IACAD operates with the core objective of fostering religious awareness and Islamic values across the emirate. Its mission spans a wide scope of responsibilities, including: Providing fatwa (religious rulings) guidance Printing and distribution of the Holy Quran and Islamic literature Organising Hajj and Umrah pilgrimages Translating religious texts Issuing licenses to Islamic religious teachers The Department also manages mosques across Dubai in collaboration with the Awqaf and Minors Affairs Department, ensuring religious services are conducted according to high standards of integrity and community engagement. IACAD also offers a range of digital services through its official website, including: Online religious enquiries Guidance for new Muslims A directory of all mosques in Dubai Prayer timings and Islamic holiday schedules Accreditation details for charitable organizations operating in Dubai Regulatory framework and expanding mandate Under Law No. (2) of 2011, IACAD was formally restructured to define its comprehensive policy-making and regulatory functions. The department's expanded remit includes: Developing general policies for Islamic and charitable work in Dubai Supervising production and distribution of religious recordings and publications Authorising educational curricula related to Islamic studies Preparing and approving the Hijri calendar Issuing licenses for: Charitable societies Quran memorization centers Islamic institutions and research bodies Religious events, seminars, and exhibitions In its supervisory role, IACAD oversees both administrative and financial aspects of licensed entities. The Department also coordinates Hajj and Umrah travel logistics in partnership with relevant UAE authorities. Additionally, it is responsible for managing the fatwa system, promoting Zakat awareness, and ensuring donations are used appropriately and legally. The Department's evolution began with its founding as the Department of Endowments on October 24, 1969, later formalised under Law No. (7) of 1994, and ultimately defined under the current legislation in 2011. Its mandate today rests on three foundational pillars: charitable work, Islamic affairs, and mosque supervision. Innovation in Islamic learning: The Sustainable Knowledge Room Among IACAD's most notable educational innovations is the Sustainable Knowledge Room, housed at the Mohammed bin Rashid Centre for Islamic Culture. This project represents a modern rethinking of how Islamic knowledge is delivered, using immersive technologies to enhance accessibility and engagement. Designed as a 360-degree interactive virtual environment, the Sustainable Knowledge Room allows participants to enter a fully immersive learning journey. The room integrates advanced educational tools with curated Islamic content, offering a multisensory approach to learning. Users are not passive recipients; they experience the material as active participants, enhancing retention and impact. The Room is designed to cater to diverse audiences and age groups, with flexible applications that include: Educational workshops Training sessions Religious events Its purpose is to turn abstract knowledge into tangible experiences, making religious education more engaging, relevant, and accessible for all.
Al Etihad
06-08-2025
- Entertainment
- Al Etihad
Dubai International Holy Quran Award concludes preliminary judging phase
6 Aug 2025 12:44 DUBAI (WAM)The Dubai International Holy Quran Award, held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, and Ruler of Dubai, has completed the preliminary judging phase for its 28th session (2026).This year's competition saw 5,618 applications from Quran reciters in 105 countries worldwide, with 30 percent of those applications coming from female Dubai International Holy Quran Award announced the selection of 525 Quran reciters to advance to the second judging phase. The selected group, comprising 373 male and 152 female participants, was chosen following a preliminary evaluation of all applications and recorded recitations submitted between July 1 and assessment, following strict and fair criteria, was based on Tajweed rules and overall performance award highlighted the exceptional calibre of most applicants, with the most distinguished voices selected for the next round, which will consist of live video evaluations with the judging significant number of participants and their impressive skills demonstrate the award's success in fulfilling its renewed vision, "In search of the most beautiful Quran recitation." This further solidifies the award's standing as a premier platform for recognising and honouring Quran reciters Darwish Al Muhairi, Director-General of the Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department in Dubai and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Dubai International Holy Quran Award, emphasised the exceptional progress of the award's 28th noted that the initial judging phase results demonstrate the award's strengthened role in serving the Holy Quran and solidifying Dubai's position as a global hub for celebrating Quran memorisers and scholars from around the Muhairi stated that this success is driven by the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, which focuses on expanding international participation and maximising the award's added, 'Key enhancements for the Dubai International Holy Quran Award's 28th session have yielded significant results, including record international participation and a remarkable level of recitation proficiency among enhancements include a substantial increase in prize money, now exceeding Dh12 million, with a $1 million prize for the top reciter in both male and female this year marks the introduction of a dedicated female category, allowing women to compete for the prestigious award. Furthermore, direct individual applications are now accepted, alongside traditional nominations through countries or certified Islamic centres. These developments significantly elevate the Award's global stature and reach.'Acting Director of the Dubai International Holy Quran Award, Ibrahim Jassim Al Mansouri, stated that the judging panel meticulously selected the most exceptional Quran reciters during the first round of submitted recitations were rigorously evaluated based on mastery of Tajweed rules and overall performance quality. Consistent and precise criteria were applied to ensure a fair and impartial selection process, aligning with the Award's goal of promoting excellence in Quran Mansouri highlighted the unprecedented talent displayed by participants from around the globe. Bangladesh led the way with 81 contestants advancing to the second phase, followed by Pakistan with 48 contestants, Indonesia with 45 contestants, Egypt with 35 contestants, India with 27 contestants, Libya with 24 contestants, the USA with 20 contestants, and Mauritania and Yemen with 13 contestants emphasised the significance of the upcoming second phase, where contestants will be assessed during live video evaluations on their memorisation of the Quran, mastery of Tajweed, and overall performance quality. A distinguished panel of expert Quran scholars and judges will apply stringent and standardised criteria throughout this crucial second phase of the competition will determine the finalists who will compete in Dubai during the second week of its 28th edition, the Dubai International Holy Quran Award has unveiled a new vision with a total prize value now exceeding Dh12 million, with the top male and female reciters each receiving $1 million, matching the increased prize for the Islamic Personality of the Year. The enhanced vision also includes broader international participation, updated evaluation processes, and initiatives to elevate memorisation and performance standards.
Time Out Dubai
31-07-2025
- Automotive
- Time Out Dubai
8 major parking changes in Dubai you need to know about
Parking in Dubai can be challenging with so many other drivers to compete with for a space. You may have a specific spot in mind, but it's often the case that someone else has got there first, and that means you'll need to find a new place to park. Parking has already changed a lot in 2025, with new rates, systems and zones introduced all across the city throughout the year. To allow you to keep on top of things and not get caught out when you're driving around, we've rounded up the big parking changes you need to know about this year in Dubai. 1) Paid parking to be introduced at mosques The Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department and Parkin sign first-of-its-kind partnership to organize smart parking around mosques in Dubai. In phase one, Parkin will operate and manage approximately 2,100 parking spaces across 59 sites, providing free parking for… — Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) July 31, 2025 The Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department has entered a strategic partnership with Parkin. As part of the agreement, Parkin will operate and manage 2,100 parking spaces across 59 places of worship in Dubai. Paid parking will be rolled out by August at these sites and will be chargeable 24 hours a day, seven days a week outside of prayer hours. During prayer time, mosque visitors will be able to park free of charge for up to one hour. The agreement aims to make it easier for worshippers to find a parking space during prayer and improve access to mosques at all times. Parking spaces will be designated as Zone M for standard spaces and Zone MP for premium spaces, 41 sites will be located in Zone M and 18 in Zone MP. This means that tariffs will be Dhs2 for 30 minutes in Zone M sites and in MP at off-peak times, but will be Dhs3 in MP at peak times. For a full hour, tariffs will be Dhs4 in Zone M and in Zone MP at off-peak times. During peak times, Zone MP parking will be Dhs6 for an hour. 2) New public parking zones introduced in 2025 Credit: Parkin Several new parking zones have been launched throughout 2025 so be wary next time you're driving around. Public parking operator Parkin has launched new zones in major Dubai neighbourhoods. In July, a new 24/7 zone was launched at Al Khail Gate which introduced a flat Dhs30 for daily parking and an hourly tarrif of Dhs4 during both off-peak and peak hours. In May, two new zones were introduced in Mirdif which covers on-street and off-street parking. Off-peak parking was priced at Dhs2 per hour and during peak hours it was Dhs4 per hour. You may like: How mall parking *actually* works in Dubai 3) Salik launched ticketless parking in 18 locations Salik (Credit: CanvaPro) Tollgate operator Salik recently teamed up with Parkonic, the UAE's largest private parking operator, to bring parking solutions to numerous parking sites across Dubai. The initiative was first rolled out to 107 core locations across the UAE and now residents and visitors will soon be able to use its eWallet system across 18 new locations in Dubai. The new ticket-free and automatic parking payments using your Salik account will be available at these new locations. Locations include the Union Coops in Al Twar, Silicon Oasis, Al Quoz, Al Barsha, Mankhool and Nad Al Hamar. The Beach JBR, Park Islands, Heera Beach, Park Islands, Marina Walk, West Palm Beach, Opus Tower, Lulu Al Qusais and Azure Residence are also included in the new Salik/Parkonic locations. 4) Barrierless parking introduced at major Dubai malls Mall of the Emirates (Credit: Mall of the Emirates) In recent times, some of the city's biggest malls have removed parking barriers to make it quicker to get in and out of car parks. As long as your timing is right, you can make some major savings on parking at some of the city's biggest malls and focus, instead, on grabbing bargains. BurJuman has introduced Automatic Number Plate Recognition to calculate fees. It means that there's no longer a need for a ticket but you'll still need to pay at a machine and rates have not changed. City Centre Deira, Mall of the Emirates and City Centre Mirdif all removed barriers in their respective parking zones. Rates have not changed as a result of the changes. 5) Parking to change at Dubai public parks (Credit: Supplied) The city's official parking operator, Parkin, is set to take over public parking facilities at some of the emirate's biggest and most popular public parks. An agreement between Parkin and Dubai Municipality means that the parking operator will now manage several select free public parking facilities that are owned by Dubai Municipality. The two parties will develop planning and regulatory standards, streamline permit procedures and enable data exchange to support services. It has not yet been revealed which sites Parkin will begin operating the parking facilities at. But Dubai Municipality do operate the likes of Al Safa Park, Dubai Frame and Quranic Park. 6) New parking rates across Dubai In 2025, new parking tariffs have been introduced across the city at Parkin-controlled on-street and off-street zones. Premium spaces across the city have been hiked up to Dhs6 per hour at several zones across the city. It also clarified the peak and off-peak parking hours in Dubai. The increase in tariffs was announced alongside a change to dynamic Salik toll gate pricing in November 2024, but came into effect on Friday April 5 in 2025. Peak pricing will apply to six out of the 14 chargeable hours per day – 8am to 10am plus 4pm to 8pm – but these prices will not be in place on Sundays or on public holidays. Tariffs during off-peak hours will be unchanged. This means that what you pay will not change between 10am and 4pm as well as between 8pm and 10pm. The updated tariffs applied to zones A, B, C and D and can be seen in full here. 7) Parking fee increases in Dubai (Credit: Canva) Since the introduction of new Parkin rates in Zones A, B, C and D, price hikes have been introduced in specific neighbourhoods. Parking during major events at Dubai World Trade Centre has seen a significant spike to Dhs25 per hour. The area surrounding DWTC is now known as a Grand Event Zone, with parking now priced at Dhs25 per hour during big conferences. In April, Parkin doubled fees in four of the emirate's biggest neighbourhoods. Rates increased in Al Karama, Al Qusais, Madinat Dubai Al Melaheyah and Al Kiraf. Previously, Zone W parking spots cost Dhs2, but this latest announcement means that the price is now double. In February, fees increased in the Al Sufouh 2 area, which meant a hike in hourly prices in Barsha Heights, Dubai Media City and Dubai Internet City. 8) Teachers and students to get cheaper parking (Credit: Canva) The city's official parking operator, Parkin, just announced it is changing the rules around parking fees, offering certain individuals a budget subscription fee. Offering new public parking subscriptions, the fees will be available to students, as well as the staff of private education centres. There will also be a new subscription fee for anyone seeking multi-storey parking access across the city. For students, the fee will start at Dhs100 per month, allowing access to both roadside and plots parking with zone codes A, B, C and D within a 500m radius of their campus. Teachers and staff at private education centres will also be able to redeem the Dhs100 fee along with parking near their campus. Looking for things to do in Dubai? All the sports events in Dubai in 2025 to sign up for Make 2025 the year of your PBs 50 brilliant outdoor activities to try at least once in Dubai Let's take this outside The incredible Dubai hotels offering more than just a room Did someone say freebies?
