• Ramadan lights 2022 along the Corniche in Abu Dhabi. All photos: Victor Besa / The National
    Ramadan lights 2022 along the Corniche in Abu Dhabi. All photos: Victor Besa / The National
  • The streets of Abu Dhabi have been decorated with dazzling illuminations ahead of Ramadan.
    The streets of Abu Dhabi have been decorated with dazzling illuminations ahead of Ramadan.
  • The decorative lights include beautiful Islamic designs inspired by the holy month.
    The decorative lights include beautiful Islamic designs inspired by the holy month.
  • Hundreds of illuminated shapes have been hung throughout the capital, comprising thousands of colourful lights.
    Hundreds of illuminated shapes have been hung throughout the capital, comprising thousands of colourful lights.
  • Ramadan-themed designs include crescent shapes and star-shaped pieces.
    Ramadan-themed designs include crescent shapes and star-shaped pieces.

Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed sends Ramadan congratulations to UAE and rest of world


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Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, sent out a message of congratulations at the start of the Holy Month of Ramadan.

Sheikh Mohamed congratulated President Sheikh Khalifa, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, Supreme Council Members, Rulers of the Emirates, Crown Princes and Deputy Rulers.

Sheikh Mohamed wished them good health and happiness. He also congratulated Emiratis and residents on the occasion and prayed to Allah the Almighty to grant the UAE permanent security, pride and prosperity.

Looking farther afield he greeted the Arab and Muslim nations on the occasion, wishing security and stability for the whole world.

The UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, Iraq, Egypt and Yemen all spotted the crescent moon on Friday after the maghrib prayer, heralding the start of the holy month on Saturday.

Moon sighting - in pictures

  • Nezar Sallam, head of the Emirates Astronomical Observatory, gives a detailed explanation on the moon sighting process for Ramadan at his observatory in Al Shahama, Abu Dhabi. All photos: Khushnum Bhandari / The National
    Nezar Sallam, head of the Emirates Astronomical Observatory, gives a detailed explanation on the moon sighting process for Ramadan at his observatory in Al Shahama, Abu Dhabi. All photos: Khushnum Bhandari / The National
  • He said the moon would be hard to sight at the Shahama location because of the weather and angles.
    He said the moon would be hard to sight at the Shahama location because of the weather and angles.
  • Mr Sallam inside the observatory.
    Mr Sallam inside the observatory.
  • His love for the stars began when he was just a child.
    His love for the stars began when he was just a child.
  • Mr Sallam trying to spot the crescent moon.
    Mr Sallam trying to spot the crescent moon.
Updated: April 02, 2022, 4:08 AM