President Sheikh Mohamed sends Ramadan 2024 greetings to UAE and rest of the world

Nearly two billion Muslims will begin fasting as they mark the holiest month in Islam

President Sheikh Mohamed has sent well-wishes to the UAE and the Arab world on the eve of Ramadan. Chris Whiteoak / The National

President Sheikh Mohamed has sent out a message of congratulations to mark the start of Ramadan.

Ramadan will begin in the UAE on Monday, authorities announced on Sunday.

The Moon-sighting committee met at the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department after maghrib (sunset) prayers on Sunday and announced that they sighted the new crescent moon.

It follows a decision from Saudi Arabia that Ramadan would commence on Monday after its committee sighted the crescent moon there.

"With the start of Ramadan, I extend my best wishes to all those observing the holy month," Sheikh Mohamed wrote on X.

"May this period of reflection and prayer bring us closer together and strengthen our bonds of unity and compassion. I wish you a blessed Ramadan filled with peace, harmony and spiritual growth."

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, shared similar messages on the advent of the holy month.

Sheikh Mohammed also offered his well-wishes to the people of the UAE and the region for Ramadan.

Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai, shared similar sentiments to mark the beginning of the holy month.

Ramadan is the holiest month in Islam and observed by more than 1.9 billion Muslims worldwide. It is said to be the month the Quran was revealed to Prophet Mohammed.

Fasting during Ramadan is one of the five pillars of Islam and mandatory for all Muslims in good health.

As well as abstaining from food and drink, Ramadan offers a period of reflection for worshippers, allows them to strengthen their faith, share time with loved ones and take part in charitable acts to help those less fortunate themselves.

Preparations around the world ahead of Ramadan 2024 – in pictures

A displaced Palestinian child sells handmade Ramadan lanterns in Rafah. AFP

Muslims gather to celebrate the beginning of Ramadan at the Omar Ibn Al-Khatab Mosque, in Foz do Iguacu, Brazil. EPA

People visit the graves of family members in Surabaya, during a tradition before the start of Ramadan. AFP

An Egyptian baker prepares Knafeh ahead of Ramadan in Giza, Egypt. EPA

A vendor of copper Islamic figures at his shop at El Moez Street in Cairo, Egypt. Reuters

Traditional sweets are prepared ahead of Ramadan, in Kandahar, Afghanistan. EPA

Workers clean the carpet in the Badshahi Mosque in preparation for Ramadan, Lahore, Pakistan. AP

People buy prayer caps in Peshawar, Pakistan. EPA

People shop for decorations at a shop in Beirut, Lebanon. AP

A Pakistani man cleans a mosque in Karachi, Pakistan. AP

A woman stands in front of the Lagos Central Mosque in Lagos. AFP

Palestinian children look at toys in Gaza city, amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas militants, as Ramadan nears. AFP

A view of the Ramadan lights installation at Piccadilly Circus in London. AP

An Iraqi man sells traditional lanterns at the Shorja market in central Baghdad. AFP

People attend the opening of the Ramadan Market in Beirut, Lebanon. EPA

People celebrate along a street ahead of the holy month of Ramadan in Giza, Egypt. EPA