A massive Dh3 million Ramadan Iftar buffet - the world's biggest - is being prepared here for at least 20,000 people. Coordinator Abdullah Al Khathiri said the Iftar (the evening meal that marks the end of the day's fast) will be held on December 22 to observe the last Friday of Ramadan.

"It will take place along the six-kilometre road between King Faisal Mosque in Al Ittihad Square and Al Tawoun shopping mall. "It is one way to celebrate the holy month of Ramadan, Lailatulqadir, and the safe return of President His Highness Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan following his successful surgery in the U.S.," Al Khathiri said.

The Iftar is being organised by Al Ain Advertising and Al Safeena Companies Representative Co. The organising team, comprising 594 people, "will be supported by hundreds of volunteers and other personnel from the Sharjah Municipality, police, medical district, educational district and other departments.

It is teamwork which is being supported not only by Sharjah residents, but also by our Muslim brothers from all over the country and even abroad," Al Kathiri said. The Iftar will have places reserved for families. "Those taking part will perform their prayers in the open air, in the green areas beside the road," Al Khathiri said.

"The event will be sponsored by local companies and establishments. It will be covered live by local and international TV and radio. Media representatives from around the world have been invited," Al Khathiri said. The Guinness Book of Records has been contacted.

Abdul Latif al Nabulsi, Exhibition Manager at Al Ain Advertising, said that the idea won a strong response from both the public and private sectors. "Many, including the chambers of commerce and industry all over the country, have pledged financial and material aid to make the Iftar a great success," Al Naboulsi said.

Several hotels, restaurants and food companies will provide food and beverages. "People of various nationalities will find their favourite dishes at the table," Al Nabulsi said.

Media chief Mohammed Rafi Bishtawi said the Organising Team would try to make the Iftar a "rare social and religious occasion with prominent Muslim scholars and social figures from all Islamic countries invited."