Latest news with #Ramadan-specific
Khaleej Times
29-03-2025
- Health
- Khaleej Times
UAE: Over 250 food outlets get stern warning for violating health regulations in Dibba
Dibba Municipality has given a stern warning to 254 food outlets for violating health and safety regulations while conducting an intensive inspection campaign through Ramadan. The crackdown, which included 755 visits to various food establishments, was aimed at ensuring public health and safety during the holy month, Eng. Hassan Salem Al Yamahi, director-general of Dibba Municipality, said. 'These campaigns are crucial in safeguarding public health and ensuring that food establishments uphold the highest standards of hygiene and compliance. We are committed to maintaining a safe and regulated market environment,' Al Yamahi told Khaleej Times. The inspections covered a wide range of businesses, including the Ramadan market, restaurants, and traditional kitchens. Barbershops, beauty salons, and other establishments were also inspected. Special attention was given to verifying compliance with food labelling, pricing, hygiene protocols, and preventive measures. Al Yamahi urged the public to play an active role in maintaining food safety by reporting any violations through the emergency hotline (092443399) or via the municipality's social media platforms. 'Our goal is to create a healthy and safe environment for everyone, and we encourage community cooperation to achieve this,' he added. Meanwhile, Al Yamahi also noted that the Ramadan market has provided an opportunity for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to showcase and sell a variety of traditional foods across multiple locations. These include the Dibba Association for Culture, Arts, and Theatre, commercial areas in Dibba, and Al Bidya vegetable and fruit market. The municipality issued 79 permits to Ramadan-specific stores while ensuring that all slaughterhouses in Dibba and Al Bidya were fully equipped to handle operations during the holy month and the upcoming Eid Al Fitr.
Tahawul Tech
26-03-2025
- Business
- Tahawul Tech
Cyber defenders warn of rising threats during Ramadan
Online activity and shortened work hours collide during the holy month, experts urge businesses and consumers to remain vigilant against a rise in cyber threats. Dubai — Ramadan brings shorter work hours and a shift in routines, but cybercriminals don't take a break. As consumers embrace digital transactions and businesses operate on leaner schedules, cybersecurity must evolve to meet the moment. From embracing automation and AI to fostering continuous employee awareness, resilience is key. Whether you're a tech leader or an online shopper, staying informed and vigilant ensures that your spirit of giving and celebration remains secure—digitally and otherwise. Tahawultech spoke to some leading cybersecurity experts, who shared their insights on how consumers need ro remain on guard. Avinash Gujje, Practice Head, Cloud Box Technologies During Ramadan, shortened working hours and increased online activity heighten cybersecurity risks for both companies and consumers. For businesses, reduced vigilance can leave systems vulnerable, making it crucial to deploy automated 24/7 security monitoring tools and managed security services. Regular employee training, incident response plans, and phishing simulations help maintain strong defenses. For consumers, cybercriminals exploit the Ramadan shopping surge through fake sales, phishing websites, and deceptive ads to steal personal and financial data. Shoppers should verify URLs, ensure sites use HTTPS, and be wary of suspicious promotions. Common Ramadan-specific cyber threats include phishing, credential stuffing, and fraudulent e-commerce. Multi-factor authentication, real-time threat detection, and continuous awareness efforts are key to staying protected during the holy month. Ned Baltagi, Managing Director – Middle East, Turkey and Africa at SANS Institute Cybercriminals take advantage of festive shopping trends by launching fake Ramadan sales to lure consumers into scams. Shoppers should watch for red flags such as offers that seem too good to be true, unfamiliar online retailers, and websites with poor design or missing contact information and a sense of urgency. Before making a purchase, consumers should verify website legitimacy, check for secure payment methods (HTTPS encryption), and avoid clicking on promotional links in unsolicited emails or messages. Enabling multi-factor authentication (MFA) on accounts and monitoring bank statements for unauthorised transactions can further enhance security. Ramadan often sees a rise in phishing attacks, credential theft, and financial fraud, particularly through fake donation campaigns and shopping scams. Cybercriminals exploit the increased online activity during this time, targeting both businesses and individuals. Organisations should enforce stricter access controls, implement email filtering to detect phishing attempts, and conduct targeted cybersecurity awareness campaigns. Individuals should be cautious when donating online, ensuring they only contribute through official charity websites. Both businesses and consumers should also remain vigilant against social engineering attacks, particularly those leveraging a sense of urgency or emotional appeal. Meriam ElOuazzani, Senior Regional Director, META, SentinelOne Cybercriminals often exploit festive or seasonal sales to launch scams, preying on eager shoppers. Consumers should watch out for red flags such as heavily discounted prices, unfamiliar e-commerce sites, urgent 'limited-time' offers, and requests for unusual payment methods like wire transfers or gift cards. Fake social media ads and phishing emails mimicking well-known retailers are also common. To stay safe, verify websites before purchasing – check for HTTPS encryption and read customer reviews. Avoid clicking on suspicious links in emails or messages, and instead, visit official retailer websites directly. Enabling multi-factor authentication (MFA) on shopping accounts adds an extra layer of security. Generative AI-powered fraud detection tools can also help identify fake websites and suspicious transactions, while AI-driven security assistants provide real-time scam alerts. Businesses should prepare by leveraging Generative AI and Hyperautomation to enhance security monitoring and automate threat detection. AI-driven analytics can identify unusual patterns in network traffic, while automated response systems ensure rapid containment of threats, even outside peak hours. Implementing multi-factor authentication (MFA), zero-trust security models, and continuous employee awareness training can further strengthen defenses. Individuals should be cautious of fake Ramadan sales, suspicious links, and urgent payment requests. AI-powered fraud detection tools and real-time scam alerts can help identify risks. Harish Chib, Vice President Emerging Markets, Middle East & Africa, Sophos Cybercriminal activity spikes during holiday periods, with phishing attacks, financial fraud, and credential theft becoming more common. Attackers prey on distracted users and altered work schedules. To counter these risks: – Businesses should implement real-time threat detection, employee security training, and strict access controls. Regular patching and system updates are crucial to preventing exploits. – Individuals should be mindful of fraudulent Ramadan offers, fake charities, and phishing attempts disguised as holiday promotions. As cyber threats evolve, businesses and consumers alike must remain vigilant and proactive in safeguarding their digital assets. A secure Ramadan is a prosperous Ramadan. Bassel Kachfeh, Digital Solutions Manager at Omnix Scammers often use fake Ramadan sales to trick shoppers. Red flags include unbelievable discounts, poorly designed websites, and requests for unusual payment methods like gift cards. To stay safe, consumers should verify website authenticity, use strong passwords, and enable MFA on accounts. They should avoid clicking on links in emails or social media ads and instead visit official retailer websites directly. Using secure payment methods like virtual credit cards or PayPal adds extra protection against fraud. Cyber threats rise during Ramadan due to reduced workforce availability, increased online shopping, and phishing scams. Businesses should strengthen endpoint security, data backups, and access controls to prevent breaches. Individuals should be cautious of fake charity campaigns, fraudulent e-wallet promotions, and phishing emails. Companies can reduce risks by training employees, increasing security monitoring, and implementing strict authentication measures. Proactive steps can help both businesses and individuals stay safe during this period. Subhalakshmi Ganapathy (Chief IT Security Evangelist, ManageEngine) During Ramadan, UAE experiences a significant growth in online shopping, with digital payment transactions increasing by 8.5% across various sectors. Notably, transactions in online marketplaces surged by 143%, apparel by 78%, and travel agencies by 42%. However, this surge in online activity attracts cybercriminals who exploit the festive season to target consumers. Common scams include fake charity donation requests, fraudulent job offers requiring upfront payments, and phishing scams impersonating logistics providers like Aramex, SMSA Express, and Zajil Express. These scams often involve fake notifications about pending deliveries with unpaid fees, tricking consumers into revealing personal and financial details. To protect themselves, consumers should verify website authenticity by ensuring URLs start with 'https' and avoiding unfamiliar sites. They should also be cautious with unsolicited emails or messages, refraining from clicking suspicious links. Using secure payment methods, such as credit cards or trusted digital wallets, adds an extra layer of protection. Additionally, regularly monitoring financial statements for unauthorized transactions can help detect fraud early. Coinciding with Ramadan season, UAE sees a surge in cyberattacks. Last year, over 200 powerful cyberattacks were detected during this period, evidently. Phishing and smishing attacks have surged, with cybercriminals impersonating government entities, telecom providers, and delivery companies, tricking victims into revealing sensitive information. Business email compromise (BEC) attacks have also increased, targeting companies with fraudulent invoices or urgent fund transfer requests. Cybercriminals use fake charity and social engineering to exploit the charitable spirit of Ramadan. Businesses and individuals must be vigilant and take precautions like enhanced email security and phishing awareness to avoid falling victim to cyberthreats.
Khaleej Times
21-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Khaleej Times
Dubai: How Midnight shopping; 2am deliveries are elevating Ramadan 2025 luxury retail
Traditionally, the chime of midnight signals Cinderella's exit from the ball, one glass slipper abandoned on the palace steps as the fairytale heroine's finery reverts to rags. In Ramadan 2025, the only shoes left on the doorstep will be those delivered by UAE luxury online retailer Ounass. This month, the stroke of midnight is the cut-off point for late night shoppers to hit 'buy' on their online cart, securing their fix of fairytale finery and having it delivered to their door by 2am. 'Ounass After Dark' promises that customers in Dubai who order by 12am during Ramadan will be unwrapping their treasures two hours later; Cinders' Fairy Godmother would approve. Whether Ounass has outfitted its fleet of drivers with horse-drawn carriages, I couldn't speculate, as I am long asleep by then. I like to think they have, though. This year, Ramadan has fallen in a key period for luxury fashion. The spring/summer collections have just landed in store, filled with the dopamine colours and lighter-weight fabrics that suit this region far more than September's wintry offerings, when we are too mired in humidity to be tempted by the knitwear, coats and boots that Northern Hemisphere-headquartered fashion brands anchor their autumn/winter ranges with. In addition to the influx of climate- and lifestyle-appropriate styles in stores this month, shoppers have the double-whammy of escalating numbers of Ramadan-specific collections created for the Holy Month. Lavish kaftans (I love Dima Ayad and Taller Marmo), chic abayas (Manaal Al Hammadi), and intricate accessories (see Christian Louboutin's ode to the geometry of Islamic art shown here) have been designed to elevate Ramadan nights and Eid mornings across the GCC. Factor in nightly social gatherings and gifting opportunities, and it's no wonder that 34 per cent of respondents in YouGov's Ramadan 2025: Consumer Insights report, which surveyed consumers in the UAE and Saudi Arabia, said their spending on clothes and accessories would increase during Ramadan this year. Redseer Strategy Consultants reports a 20 per cent year-on-year hike of enthusiasm in UAE consumer excitement this year, driving Ramadan retail sales to an estimated $10 billion (Dh36 billion). And with fasting schedules limiting time to visit shopping malls, despite most extending opening hours to 1am, online and social commerce are where modern-day Cinderellas discover their dream dresses. At night, without the time constraints of daily tasks or deadlines to meet, the shopping scroll can stretch till sunrise, creating a circadian retail rhythm all its own. Should you be in further need of inspiration, Instagram and TikTok serve an equally endless supply of content around the clock; YouGov's research reveals that 61 per cent of both Saudi Arabia- and UAE-based consumers are 'likely' or 'very likely' to shop for Ramadan on social media platforms. Social shopping is now well-established. Perhaps the next stage will be more widespread socially conscious shopping, pioneered so effectively in the region by The Giving Movement. I recently bought a dress on an Australian fashion brand's website. At checkout, I was offered the option of choosing where the $1 donation made by the brand for my purchase would go — to an environmental cause, an organisation promoting girls' education, or a women's health group. It's incredibly empowering to offer consumers a say in who benefits from a donation being made on their behalf. By integrating active philanthropy into online purchasing, consumers get to be both Cinderella and the Fairy Godmother, making for a much more modern fairytale.
Campaign ME
17-03-2025
- Business
- Campaign ME
StickyGinger secures Marks & Spencer MENA PR retainer
StickyGinger has been appointed as the PR agency for Marks & Spencer MENA, operated by Al-Futtaim Group, following a four-month-long pitch process. The agency will oversee PR strategy, regional campaigns, media relations, influencer activations and press shows across the GCC, supporting the brand's positioning and market presence. With a strong footprint in the region, Marks & Spencer offers fashion, beauty, home essentials, and food, catering to a broad consumer base. StickyGinger's remit will focus on enhancing the brand's presence across these categories, tailoring messaging to resonate with regional audiences and aligning campaigns with key retail moments, including Ramadan. 'We're incredibly proud to partner with Marks & Spencer MENA and the Al-Futtaim Group,' says Kiera Purdue, MD of StickyGinger. 'As a British-owned agency, this partnership is a huge win for us, and we're proud to have been selected for our creative thinking, award-winning approach and omnichannel expertise.' Purdue also acknowledged Marks & Spencer's legacy in retail, stating that the agency aims to strengthen its position as a multicategory destination in the region. 'Marks & Spencer has such a strong legacy in retail, and we can't wait to help tell its story and boost its presence as the go-to brand for fashion, beauty, home, and food in the region.' StickyGinger's appointment further reinforces its position in the fashion and lifestyle sector, adding to a portfolio that includes global brands such as Levi's, PUMA, Spinneys, and Pizza Hut. The agency's immediate focus will be on launching Ramadan-specific campaigns, including product launches tailored to the occasion, while developing long-term strategies to maintain and grow Marks & Spencer's visibility and brand relevance throughout the year.
Khaleej Times
14-03-2025
- Khaleej Times
UAE: More police patrols, restaurant inspections for residents' safety this Ramadan
Authorities have ramped up inspections of restaurants to ensure food safety and also increased police patrols around mosques to enhance road safety this Ramadan. Fujairah Municipality has carried out a total of 687 inspection rounds of food outlets. Eng Hassan Salem Al Yamahi, director-general of Fujairah Municipality, said inspectors not only focused on checking compliance with stringent sanitary regulations but also looked into food prices, labelling, and adherence to health codes. 'The initiative is aimed at safeguarding public health and ensuring fairness in the market to maintain a safe and regulated environment for consumers,' noted Al Yamahi. 'We conducted over 680 inspections to ensure food outlets followed safety standards and complied with the necessary regulations,' said Al Yamahi, adding the campaign also saw 79 permits issued to Ramadan-specific stores in Fujairah that are catering to the increased demand for food and products during the holy month. More police patrols Meanwhile, Sharjah Traffic Police said they will enhance patrols around mosques during prayer times to regulate parking and ensure proper entry and exit of worshippers. Illegal parking — a common cause of congestion and accidents — will also be closely monitored. Erring motorists will be fined, and negative traffic behaviours, such as distracted driving, will be targeted to protect both road users and pedestrians, authorities said. Col Mohammad Alai Al Naqbi, director of the Traffic and Patrols Department of Sharjah Police, emphasised the importance of being vigilant to prevent fatal accidents and injuries involving pedestrians. "Motorists need to drive with caution during Iftar times to avoid accidents, as many pedestrians are crossing streets in a rush to get home," he told Khaleej Times. Al Naqbi said special patrols are stationed at strategic areas, including busy markets and shopping malls, to monitor and regulate traffic, particularly in locations with heavy foot traffic where pedestrian accidents are more likely to occur. This initiative comes as part of ongoing efforts to reduce the risk of accidents, which traditionally increase during the holy month. 'In addition to monitoring traffic, we are focusing on preventing fatal accidents and injuries, which tend to rise at this time of year. Our patrols will focus on ensuring pedestrians cross at designated areas and will fine any motorists found violating traffic rules, particularly those speeding or driving recklessly,' he added.
