Simply Abu Dhabi XXIX

1 1 0 S I M P LY A B U DH A B I lessons from the Holy Quran. Several years ago, the government of the United Arab Emirates decided that there would be one Friday sermon throughout the nation, meaning that all of the faithful, no matter which mosque they attend, will all be united in the same experience. Each week, groups of imams and scholars select and research the topic, then share the lecture with each mosque across the Emirates. During the extreme heat of the summer, the Grand Mosque is a welcoming haven for those observing Ramadan. Air-conditioning units are set up in the courtyard, medics are on hand if needed, cool water and juicy dates are provided, and tents are specially constructed where worshippers can break their fast, when the cannon signals the end of the day. Around 30,000 meals are prepared each day during this time by the Armed Forces Officers Club and Hotel in Abu Dhabi. By the end of Ramadan, the number of worshippers in attendance can swell to as many as 55,000.