The National staff

ABU DHABI // Muslims across the UAE will begin fasting for Ramadan on Sunday after it was announced on Friday night by state news agency Wam that the crescent of a new moon had not been sighted.

As predicted by astronomers, Sunday will be the first day of the holy month after the official Moon Sighting Committee met following Maghrib prayers on Friday night to examine the findings of Sharia courts across the country.

Dr Hadef Al Dhaheri, Minister of Justice and Chairman of the Moon Sighting Committee, said after the meeting that discussions with neighbouring states had been conducted and a new moon had not yet been sighted, meaning Saturday is the last day of the month of Sha’aban and Sunday marks the first day of Ramadan for the Hijri year 1435.

The minister and members of the committee then sent their good wishes to the President, Sheikh Khalifa, Vice President Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, and other members of the UAE ruling families.

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