We report the first observations of solar global UV (280-380 nm) radiation on the island of Cyprus obtained during an ongoing joint research project between the University of Athens and the Meteorological Service of Cyprus. Hourly global UV (G(uv)) and global (G(h)) solar irradiances are measured and the relationship between the two radiant fluxes is investigated at Athalassa, Cyprus (35 degrees 15'N, 33 degrees 40'E, 165 m above MSL). These data are used to determine the temporal variability of the percentage ratio of solar global UV to solar global irradiation (G(uv)/G(h)) and its dependence on various atmospheric conditions. Analyzing the data set, an inverse correlation between ozone column amount and the precise UV/Global ratio was found, which can be rather attributed to the change of various atmospheric parameters than the ozone column. The analysis of hourly percentage ratio values reveals a definite daily pattern with lower values during sunrise/sunset and higher values around noon. The variation of the percentage ratios (G(uv)/G(h)) ranges from 3.95 +/-0.29% in September to 2.92 +/- 0.42% in August for hourly values, while for daily values, the variation is between 2.85 +/- 0.32% in August and 3.68 +/- 0.1 % in September, with annual mean values of 3.33 +/- 0.21 % for hourly and 3.19 +/- 0.17% for daily data. Finally, the present data reveals a seasonal contribution of the aerosol extinction on the precise (Guv/Gh) ratio values. (c) 2005 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.