New version of Al Taawun roundabout presented in Sharjah for November 4th opening

The Roads and Transport Authority of Sharjah (RTA) unveiled the new design of the iconic Al Taawun roundabout on Tuesday, September 22. This project aims to transform the appearance of Al Taawun Square in Sharjah, with the updated roundabout scheduled to open on November 4th, which is the first day of the Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF).

Work continues on the Al Taawun tunnel

The Authority specified that work under the square, spanning 500 meters, is still ongoing. Residents had previously expressed enthusiasm about the tunnel's opening, hoping it would ease their daily commutes.

For a long time, crossing the Al Taawun roundabout during peak hours caused significant waiting times for many Sharjah residents. Some reported spending at least twenty minutes near the square during morning and evening rush hours due to traffic congestion from all four directions.

The new Al Taawun tunnel

The new tunnel will feature three lanes in each direction, connecting Al Taawun Street, Al Nahda Bridge, and Dubai. The project also includes a new traffic light intersection capable of handling approximately 4,200 vehicles per hour in each direction during peak periods. This is expected to help reduce congestion around the roundabout and improve access to the Sharjah Expo Centre, where SIBF is held.

The development of the project was driven by the increasing importance of Al Taawun Street as a key transport artery connecting Sharjah and Dubai. The underground passage is designed to address overcrowding and improve traffic flow in this area.

Furthermore, the project will provide more direct access to the Sharjah Expo Centre and is anticipated to become part of a future transport corridor connected to Al Noor Road. The entire Al Taawun road project is slated for completion in February 2027. The implementation of the project required the temporary dismantling of the Al Taawun roundabout monument, which will be redesigned and restored to its original location after the tunnel construction is finished.

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www.khaleejtimes.comSeptember 16, 19:46

Rare miniature Quran by David Bryce presented at Abu Dhabi book fair

Leading global rare book dealers Peter Harrington are presenting an attractive copy of the famous miniature Quran by David Bryce at the International Book Fair in Abu Dhabi this year. This copy is considered one of the most iconic miniature editions ever created.

Bryce's Quran, which was photolithographed and printed in Glasgow in the late 1890s, became the first European printed version of the Quran in miniature format. Bryce produced his miniature Qurans for Muslim readers residing in Europe, the Indian subcontinent, East Africa, and the Middle East.

Initially, these editions were sold with a protective metal medallion containing a magnifying glass. This edition combined outstanding technical achievements with commercial success. Although miniature Qurans were previously published in India and the Ottoman Empire in the late nineteenth century, none achieved the widespread popularity of Bryce's edition.

Sara Trevisan, a Middle East specialist from Peter Harrington, noted that they brought a very special item—a miniature Quran printed in Scotland around 1896. She specified that it is a photolithographic production that was originally created as a manuscript in Turkey, then photographed, reduced, and printed in such a tiny format.

This Quran, measuring only 26 x 19 mm, is executed in Arabic using photolithography. It is bound in original red leather with gold decoration and is housed in its original metal medallion, which was the first to release these unusual miniature books.

At the International Book Fair in Abu Dhabi, Peter Harrington is offering the miniature Quran for 2,750 British pounds (equivalent to approximately 13,587 dirhams) until September 18.

www.khaleejtimes.comSeptember 12, 11:16

UAE Fatwa Council announces start of Rabi al-Thani after sighting of new moon in Abu Dhabi

The UAE Fatwa Council announced that Sunday, September 13, will be the first day of Rabi al-Thani 1448 AH, and Saturday will mark the end of Rabi al-Awwal.

According to the Fatwa Council's statement, this decision was made after a thorough analysis of scientific data regarding the new moon sighting and was agreed upon with specialized scientific institutions and centers in the country.

This announcement followed the recording of the new crescent of Rabi al-Thani in the UAE sky on Friday. Although it was too dim to be seen with the naked eye, a photograph allowed for the observation of the beginning of the new lunar month.

The photograph was taken at 15:50 UAE time from the Al-Khatim Astronomical Observatory, which is affiliated with the International Astronomical Center. At the time of the shot, the Moon was only 4.8 degrees away from the Sun and had an age of 10.2 hours.

The observatory reported that the crescent could be detected using special astronomical imaging technology, but it could not be seen anywhere in the Islamic world, neither with the naked eye nor through a telescope.

The photo was taken by Muhammad Awda, and the observatory team included Halafan Al-Naimi, Osama Ghanem, and Anas Muhammad.

Meanwhile, the crescent was not observed in Oman on Friday evening. Therefore, Omani authorities stated that Saturday would conclude the month of Rabi al-Awwal, and Rabi al-Thani would begin the following day.