First Ramadan prayers of 2026 - in pictures

  • Morning prayers on the first day of Ramadan at Sheikh Hazza bin Sultan mosque in Abu Dhabi. Pawan Singh for The National
    Morning prayers on the first day of Ramadan at Sheikh Hazza bin Sultan mosque in Abu Dhabi. Pawan Singh for The National
  • The UAE Moon-sighting committee met on Tuesday and announced the new crescent moon had been spotted. Pawan Singh for The National
    The UAE Moon-sighting committee met on Tuesday and announced the new crescent moon had been spotted. Pawan Singh for The National
  • It meant that Ramadan began on Wednesday. Pawan Singh for The National
    It meant that Ramadan began on Wednesday. Pawan Singh for The National
  • The Muslim calendar is determined by Moon phases, with each month lasting either 29 or 30 days. Pawan Singh for The National
    The Muslim calendar is determined by Moon phases, with each month lasting either 29 or 30 days. Pawan Singh for The National
  • As well as abstaining from food and drink, Ramadan is a time when Muslims strengthen their faith through prayer and increased recitation of the Quran. Pawan Singh for The National
    As well as abstaining from food and drink, Ramadan is a time when Muslims strengthen their faith through prayer and increased recitation of the Quran. Pawan Singh for The National
  • Ramadan is believed to be the month in which the Quran was revealed to the Prophet Mohammed. Pawan Singh for The National
    Ramadan is believed to be the month in which the Quran was revealed to the Prophet Mohammed. Pawan Singh for The National
  • Piety increases further during the last 10 days when Laylat Al Qadr falls. Pawan Singh for The National
    Piety increases further during the last 10 days when Laylat Al Qadr falls. Pawan Singh for The National
  • This year, Muslims in the UAE will begin the month by fasting for about 14 hours and 13 minutes. Pawan Singh for The National
    This year, Muslims in the UAE will begin the month by fasting for about 14 hours and 13 minutes. Pawan Singh for The National
  • By the end of Ramadan, the fast will last for 14 hours and 55 minutes. Pawan Singh for The National
    By the end of Ramadan, the fast will last for 14 hours and 55 minutes. Pawan Singh for The National
  • Muslims use the important period as an opportunity to strengthen their devotion to their faith, increase charitable endeavours and prioritise time with family and friends. Pawan Singh for The National
    Muslims use the important period as an opportunity to strengthen their devotion to their faith, increase charitable endeavours and prioritise time with family and friends. Pawan Singh for The National
  • Prayer is one of the five pillars of Islam and Muslims are obliged to pray five times a day: fajr, dhuhr, asr, maghrib and isha. Pawan Singh for The National
    Prayer is one of the five pillars of Islam and Muslims are obliged to pray five times a day: fajr, dhuhr, asr, maghrib and isha. Pawan Singh for The National