NEW DELHI: Dozens of UAE Army personnel arrived in India this week for the Desert Cyclone military exercise, the first joint drill between the Emirati and Indian land forces.
The UAE contingent comprises 45 soldiers from the Zayed First Brigade, while the 45 Indian Army troops participating in the drill are represented mainly by a battalion from the Mechanised Infantry Regiment, the Indian Ministry of Defence said in a statement as the exercise commenced on Tuesday.
The two-week drill, which the ministry said aims to “enhance cooperation and interoperability between both the sides during peacekeeping operations,” is taking place in Mahajan in the northern state of Rajasthan and will conclude on Jan. 15.
Exercises between the armed forces of the two countries have been increasingly frequent since the two countries signed a comprehensive strategic partnership in 2017.
So far, however, they have involved only their navies and air forces, India’s Ambassador to the UAE Sunjay Sudhir told Arab News on Wednesday.
“Desert Cyclone, which started yesterday, is the first army-to-army bilateral exercise,” he said, adding that the previous drills and the ongoing one were a “sign of the growing and diversified strategic partnership between India and the UAE.”
The UAE has been emerging as India’s key partner in the Gulf region, both in terms of defense and lately also trade, since the signing of a comprehensive economic partnership agreement in 2022.
“In the backdrop of close economic and trade relations, the two countries developing closer relations in defense and strategic arena is becoming a template for other Gulf partners. India and UAE are already cooperating in countering terrorism and other cross-border crimes,” Ranjit Kumar, defense analyst based in Delhi, told Arab News.
“The strengthening of cooperation and high-level exchanges among the armed forces indicate that the two countries are coming closer on the strategic arena.”
LONDON: Mayor of London Sadiq Khan has switched on the Ramadan lights as British Muslims prepare to welcome the fasting month this week.
“A beautiful celebration of the holy month and a reminder that our city is a beacon of hope, unity, and inclusivity. A city where diversity is a strength, and where everyone is loved and wanted,” Khan wrote on X.
The heart of London’s West End is now illuminated by 30,000 LED bulbs for the fourth consecutive year, celebrating culture, cuisine, and community during the holy month when Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset.
Rahima Aziz BEM, a trustee of the charitable Aziz Foundation, told Arab News that organizing the canopy of lights on Coventry Street, near Piccadilly Circus, has expanded every year since 2023.
“And what started as just a simple light installation has become something where you can really experience the spirit of Ramadan and what it has to offer,” she said.
For this year’s program, the Aziz Foundation has organized “Shared Lights,” an interfaith art exhibition in the basement of the Zedwell Hotel, featuring 20 artists from across the UK who explore the values central to Ramadan, including love, peace, generosity, and hope.
For this year’s program, the Aziz Foundation has organized “Shared Lights,” an interfaith art exhibition in the Zedwell Hotel’s basement. (Credit: Aziz Foundation)
The charity has also created an interactive digital map of halal and vegetarian-friendly restaurants, allowing visitors to plan their iftar meals from exclusive set menus and locate nearby prayer spaces and evening activities.
“Many young Muslims will choose to have iftar out with their friends and family, in central London. So, we wanted to provide them with more incentive to really spend and boost the local economy, through freebies and special discounts,” Aziz said.
An estimated 4 million British Muslims live across England, Scotland, Northern Ireland, and Wales, with over 1 million living in London alone, according to the 2021 census. London was the first major European city to adorn its central streets with Ramadan lights, which have become part of the city’s calendar alongside Hanukkah and Diwali.
A sign that reads “Happy Ramadan,” decorated with stars and crescent moons, will be illuminated nightly from 5:00 p.m. until 5:00 a.m., and will then change to “Happy Eid” in celebration of Eid Al-Fitr in March. This year, Ramadan coincides with Lent, a 40-day season of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. Lent begins on Feb. 18 and concludes on April 2. If the moon is sighted, Ramadan is expected to start on Feb. 17 and end on March 18.
“Eventually, we’ll get to a time where we’re sharing Ramadan with Christmas, which is just beautiful. Great opportunity for some cross-cultural experiences,” Aziz added.
London was the first major European city to adorn its central streets with Ramadan lights. (Credit: Aziz Foundation)
Ramadan, which follows the lunar Hijri calendar, occurs approximately 10 to 11 days earlier each year in relation to the Gregorian solar calendar. This year, Muslims in London will fast for between 12 and 14 hours daily. Iftar is held around 5:30 p.m. at the beginning of the month and around 6:30 p.m. as the month approaches the end. However, when Ramadan falls in the summer, the fasting period can last nearly 19 hours, and these hours vary across countries and regions within a country.
Fasting during Ramadan is one of the five pillars of Islam, alongside the Shahada, a profession of faith, prayer, giving alms, and performing Hajj. Muslims refrain from food, drink, and some activities during daylight for 30 days as a way to reflect on religion, life, and empathize with the poor.
“I grew up in London. I’ve been here most of my life,” Aziz said. “What is really special for me is seeing the curiosity about Ramadan and about Islam increase. Ramadan lights are about making people feel that London is a melting pot of diversity, for everyone.”
