DUBAI, Oct 23 (AFP) - The Gulf emirate of Dubai has decided to celebrate the millennium even though the New Year falls in the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan, the chamber of commerce and industry said Saturday.
Abdul Rahman al-Mutaiwee told reporters the authorities had "formed a committee to examine proposals to celebrate the third millennium," but he gave no details.
A program will be arranged which "falls in line with Islamic values," with the emphasis on family entertainment, according to another business source.
The past two New Years have also coincided with the dawn-to-dusk fasting month of Ramadan, the timing of which is determined by the lunar calendar.
Public parties and dancing were banned, a rare event for the liberal emirate which has become the trading and leisure hub of the oil-rich Gulf with a growing collection of luxury hotels.