More stories

  • in

    A historic first: Saudi women change the Kiswa on the Kaaba for the first time

    Life

    by Ruman Baig
    7 seconds ago

    For centuries, the changing of the Kiswa, the sacred cloth that drapes the Kaaba in Makkah, has been a revered tradition carried out solely by men. But this year, a historic first unfolded.
    Saudi women joined the ranks of the artisans and technicians, not only participating in the ceremony itself, but also playing a vital role in crafting the magnificent cloth.

    لأول مرة .. مشاركة منسوبات الهيئة العامة للعناية بشؤون المسجد الحرام والمسجد النبوي في مراسم تغيير #كسوة_الكعبة_المشرفة. pic.twitter.com/M5pO3f82RP
    — الهيئة العامة للعناية بشؤون الحرمين (@AlharamainSA) July 7, 2024

    Saudi women take a step forward
    This inclusion marks a significant step forward for women in Saudi Arabia. The Kiswa, adorned with intricate gold and silver embroidery, is a symbol of holiness and a centerpiece of the Hajj pilgrimage. Being involved in its creation and replacement elevates the role of women within this sacred tradition.
    The process itself is a marvel of meticulous planning and craftsmanship. A team of 159 skilled artisans, now including women, meticulously handcraft the Kiswa using a staggering amount of materials – 120kg of gold thread, 100kg of silver thread, and 1,000kg of silk. Each piece takes between 60 to 120 days to complete, ensuring the intricate details and symbolic motifs are flawlessly produced.

    What is a Kiswa and how is it made?
    The installation is equally intricate. The massive Kiswa, weighing 1,350 kilograms, is carefully lifted section by section onto the Kaaba. The meticulous choreography involves removing the old Kiswa while the new one is transported,ensuring a seamless transition.
    Previously, the Kiswa changing ceremony coincided with the Hajj pilgrimage. However, a recent change allows the ceremony to take place on the first day of the Islamic New Year. This shift not only streamlines the process but also allows the Kiswa to be pristine for the influx of pilgrims during Hajj.

    The inclusion of women in this historic tradition is a powerful symbol of progress. It signifies a future where women play a more prominent role in preserving and celebrating Islamic heritage. This is a momentous occasion, not just for the beauty of the Kiswa itself, but for the message of inclusivity it conveys.
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Instagram @ia5e More

  • in

    UAE announces public holiday for Islamic New Year: Is it a long weekend?

    Life

    by Ruman Baig
    3 mins ago

    Unfortunately, there will not be a long weekend in July.
    The UAE’s Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) made an announcement that Sunday July 7 will be a public holiday for Islamic New Year for the UAE private sector.
    Which means it won’t be a long weekend for the ones who typically take Saturday-Sunday as the weekend.
    It’s business as usual on Monday July 8.
    When is the next public holiday in the UAE?

    Looking beyond July, the UAE’s National Day, now referred to as Union Day, offers a confirmed two-day public holiday on December 2nd and 3rd, 2024. This falls conveniently on a Monday and Tuesday, creating a delightful four-day weekend for those with weekend offs.Those planning further ahead can set their sights on New Year’s Day 2025, which falls on a Wednesday, offering a welcome break to usher in the new year.
    For a complete picture of 2025’s public holidays, keep an eye out for future announcements.
    This glimpse into the UAE’s upcoming public holidays allows you to start planning your breaks and getaways. Whether you’re aiming for a quick staycation or a longer adventure, these official holidays offer the perfect opportunity to unwind and recharge.
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: @visit.dubai More

  • in

    When is the Islamic New Year long weekend in the UAE? Find out

    Life

    by Ruman Baig
    25 mins ago

    UAE public holidays: Islamic New Year coming up, long weekend is a possibility.
    The UAE’s holiday calendar offers opportunities for celebration and relaxation throughout the year. If you’re eager to mark upcoming public holidays and potentially score some long weekends, keep reading.
    After a blissful 4-day break on the occasion of Eid Al-Adha 2024, the UAE residents are already looking forward to the next long weekend this summer to be OOO.
    When is the next public holiday in the UAE?

    The good news is that the next public holiday isn’t far off. Hijri New Year, also known as Islamic New Year, is slated for July 7th, 2024 (Muharram 1). However, since it falls on a Sunday, some may wonder if it translates into a long weekend.
    Will it be a long weekend?
    There’s a chance, the UAE authorities have the flexibility to adjust official holidays, excluding Eid holidays, according to Cabinet decision 27 of 2024. This means they could potentially move the Islamic New Year holiday to create a multi-day break. Stay tuned for official announcements to see if this exciting possibility comes to fruition.
    Public holidays for the rest of the year
    Looking beyond July, the UAE’s National Day, now referred to as Union Day, offers a confirmed two-day public holiday on December 2nd and 3rd, 2024. This falls conveniently on a Monday and Tuesday, creating a delightful four-day weekend for those with weekend offs.Those planning further ahead can set their sights on New Year’s Day 2025, which falls on a Wednesday, offering a welcome break to usher in the new year.
    For a complete picture of 2025’s public holidays, keep an eye out for future announcements.
    This glimpse into the UAE’s upcoming public holidays allows you to start planning your breaks and getaways. Whether you’re aiming for a quick staycation or a longer adventure, these official holidays offer the perfect opportunity to unwind and recharge.
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: @visit.dubai More

  • in

    When is the next long weekend in the UAE? Most likely in July

    Life

    by Ruman Baig
    3 hours ago

    UAE public holidays: Islamic New Year coming up, long weekend is a possibility.
    The UAE’s holiday calendar offers opportunities for celebration and relaxation throughout the year. If you’re eager to mark upcoming public holidays and potentially score some long weekends, keep reading.
    After a blissful 4-day break on the occasion of Eid Al-Adha 2024, the UAE residents are already looking forward to the next long weekend this summer to be OOO.
    When is the next public holiday in the UAE?

    The good news is that the next public holiday isn’t far off. Hijri New Year, also known as Islamic New Year, is slated for July 7th, 2024 (Muharram 1). However, since it falls on a Sunday, some may wonder if it translates into a long weekend.
    Will it be a long weekend?
    There’s a chance, the UAE authorities have the flexibility to adjust official holidays, excluding Eid holidays, according to Cabinet decision 27 of 2024. This means they could potentially move the Islamic New Year holiday to create a multi-day break. Stay tuned for official announcements to see if this exciting possibility comes to fruition.
    Public holidays for the rest of the year
    Looking beyond July, the UAE’s National Day, now referred to as Union Day, offers a confirmed two-day public holiday on December 2nd and 3rd, 2024. This falls conveniently on a Monday and Tuesday, creating a delightful four-day weekend for those with weekend offs.Those planning further ahead can set their sights on New Year’s Day 2025, which falls on a Wednesday, offering a welcome break to usher in the new year.
    For a complete picture of 2025’s public holidays, keep an eye out for future announcements.
    This glimpse into the UAE’s upcoming public holidays allows you to start planning your breaks and getaways. Whether you’re aiming for a quick staycation or a longer adventure, these official holidays offer the perfect opportunity to unwind and recharge.
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: @visit.dubai More