Ramadan 2016: Fasting to begin on Monday

Muslims across the UAE will begin fasting on Monday, the official moon-sighting committee has announced.

A public art installation at JBR's The Walk during Ramadan 2015. Jeffrey E Biteng / The National

ABU DHABI // The first day of Ramadan will be on Monday, the UAE Ramadan Moon Sighting Committee has announced.

“The holy month of Ramadan in the UAE for the Hijri year 1437 will begin tomorrow, Monday, June 6, 2016,” said a statement by the committee.

To mark the start of the holy month, UAE President Sheikh Khalifa sent cables to leaders of Arab and Muslim countries, reported state news agency Wam.

In the cables, he wished for continued good health and well-being for the leaders and for further progress and prosperity for their nations.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, and Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, sent similar cables to the leaders.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed also greeted President Khalifa on the advent of Ramadan and prayed for his good health and well-being.

He also greeted the Rulers, Deputy Rulers and Crown Princes of the emirates and the personnel of the UAE Armed Forces.

Sultan bin Saeed Al Badi, Minister of Justice and chairman of the moon sighting committee, said that the start of Ramadan was determined after investigation, application of relevant Sharia laws and contact with neighbouring countries.

Speaking after a meeting of the committee at the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department, Mr Al Badi congratulated Sheikh Khalifa, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid and Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed on the occasion of the holy month. He also prayed for the good health of Sheikh Khalifa for the sake of his country, the Arab nation and the Muslim nation.

He also congratulated the people of the UAE and Muslims around the world.

Working hours for the public sector, which were announced last month, will be from 9am to 2pm. Private sector employees in the UAE will have their working days reduced by two hours during Ramadan.

School hours will also be shortened across the country as Ramadan overlaps with the last days of the academic calendar.

Thousands of school pupils will be sitting examinations, such as the ACT or A Levels, during Ramadan this year. The last day of school for pupils is June 23.

The holy month will be marked by a host of activities across the country, from cultural evenings to Ramadan tents.

Charities will also step up their efforts as zakat — meaning charity — is one of the five pillars of Islam.

Patrols on roads around markets, malls and mosques will also be increased, Colonel Jamal Al Ameri, head of public relations at Abu Dhabi Traffic and Patrols Directorate said last week.

Free iftar meals will be distributed to motorists across the country in an attempt to reduce rush-hour accidents.

• FAQs: Everything you need to know about the holy month in the UAE