If a crescent moon is seen, Ramadan will begin the next day…

Ramadan will begin on Wednesday, May 16, if a new crescent moon is sighted on Tuesday night.

The UAE’s Minister of Justice has ordered the establishment of a moon sighting committee which will declare the start date of the holy month.

The committee is set to meet after Maghreb prayers (just after sunset) on Tuesday. Should the crescent be spotted on Tuesday, it will mean Wednesday is the first day of Ramadan.

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All Sharia courts in the country have been asked to participate in the moon sighting and inform the committee of any findings.

The Sharjah Centre for Astronomy and Space Sciences previously advised that Ramadan in the UAE looked set to begin on Thursday, May 17. Oman has already declared that Ramadan will begin on that date.

Working hours for all employees will be reduced by two hours during Ramadan, while the school day is reduced to five hours.

We will of course let you know as soon as it’s official – but it looks like we should know for sure on Tuesday night…

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