UAE worshippers gathered at mosques across the country on Wednesday morning to perform the first prayers of Ramadan.
Muslims united in celebration of their faith to mark the start of the holy month, which is observed by about two billion people around the world.
Wednesday was declared as the first day of Ramadan after the crescent moon – which heralds the start of the new Islamic month – was sighted on Tuesday.
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic – or Hijri – lunar calendar and is said to be the month the Quran was revealed to the Prophet Mohammed.
It is time of spiritual reflection and contemplation for Muslims, who use the important period as an opportunity to strengthen their devotion to their faith, increase charitable endeavours and prioritise time with family and friends.
Piety increases further during the last 10 days when Laylat Al Qadr falls. That night is believed to be when the Quran was revealed to the Prophet Mohammed.
Muslims will fast from dawn to dusk for 29 to 30 days depending on the length of the month, which is determined by the Moon cycle.
'We feel blessed'
Shadaab Sheikh, from India, who works at Abu Dhabi's Zayed International Airport, spoke of the significance of the holy month after attending prayers at Sheikh Hazza bin Sultan Mosque in Al Zahiyah.
“Ramadan is a month of peace, all this whole month of Ramadan, all of our Muslim brothers, we have peaceful days in this month,” he said.
“We feel blessed internally and we feel closer to Almighty Allah.”
Fellow worshipper Mohammad Elbosaty is relishing the onset of Ramadan, welcoming a period in which the hectic pace of life slows to allow for time for people to gather together and enjoy the special atmosphere of the holy month.
"The atmosphere during Ramadan is very beautiful. And when you fast here in the UAE during Ramadan, with the beautiful weather, the atmosphere is completely different," he said.
"Ramadan is, of course, a month. Of course, for us, it's a month of forgiveness, a month of mercy, and a month of goodness in a land of goodness.
"It is a time for gatherings. Because at other times, sometimes people are busy with work and such. Everyone is busy. Gatherings become a bit difficult because of work and school, and so on. But in Ramadan, the atmosphere is a bit different. Everyone gathers at the same time. The atmosphere of Ramadan itself is different. It's more spiritual."
Elbosaty said he wished for the holy month to bring positivity and prosperity for people in the Emirates and around the world.
President extends best wishes
President Sheikh Mohamed shared a congratulatory message to all who are celebrating Ramadan in the UAE and elsewhere.
“With the arrival of the holy month of Ramadan, I extend my sincere best wishes to the people of the UAE and across the world,” Sheikh Mohamed wrote on X. “Ramadan is a time for reflection and generosity, and an opportunity to strengthen bonds within families and communities.”
