Ramadan 2022 starts in UAE on Saturday

Saudi Arabia also to start holy month on the same day but Oman will begin on Sunday

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  Ramadan lights 2022 along the Corniche in Abu Dhabi. All photos: Victor Besa / The National

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  The streets of Abu Dhabi have been decorated with dazzling illuminations ahead of Ramadan.

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  The decorative lights include beautiful Islamic designs inspired by the holy month.

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  Hundreds of illuminated shapes have been hung throughout the capital, comprising thousands of colourful lights.

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  Ramadan-themed designs include crescent shapes and star-shaped pieces.

Ramadan will begin in the UAE on Saturday, authorities announced on Friday.

The moon-sighting committee met at the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department and confirmed the presence of the crescent moon, state news agency Wam reported.

Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, Iraq, Egypt and Yemen also spotted the crescent moon after the maghrib prayer, heralding the start of the holy month tomorrow.

Ramadan will begin in Oman on Sunday, however, after a moon-sighting committee did not spot the crescent, the Oman News Agency reported.

Sunday will also be the start of the holy month in Jordan and Indonesia.

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  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

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  He said the moon would be hard to sight at the Shahama location because of the weather and angles.

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  Mr Sallam inside the observatory.

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  His love for the stars began when he was just a child.

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  Mr Sallam trying to spot the crescent moon.

The UAE's leaders extended their greetings to all observing the holy month. The President, Sheikh Khalifa, wished good health and prosperity to the people and leaders of all Arab and Islamic countries.

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

“Ramadan Mubarak to the people of the UAE and all who are observing the holy month around the world,” said Sheikh Mohamed. “We solemnly pray that God continues to bestow his blessings and mercy on our beloved country and people everywhere.”

Saudi Arabia’s King Salman also congratulated Muslims in the kingdom and all over the world.

In a message carried by Saudi Press Agency, the monarch expressed his happiness that the Grand Mosque in Makkah and the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah were back to full capacity after Covid-19 precautionary measures were lifted.

Ramadan is observed by more than 1.8 billion Muslims around the world and is believed to be the month when the Quran was revealed to the Prophet Mohammed.

Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset every day of the month, which is typically 29 or 30 days.

Fasting during the holy month is one of the five pillars of Islam and is mandatory for all Muslims who are in good health.

Moon-sighting attempts were held across the UAE but not all manage to spot the crescent.

Nezar Sallam, head of the Emirates Astronomical Observatory, said it was nearly impossible to see the crescent at the observatory at Al Shahama in Abu Dhabi on Friday because of adverse weather and the angle of the moon.

“The Moon is there but it is too low,” said Mr Sallam.

Mr Sallam, 43, who also tries to verify the beginning of Eid, said his love for astronomy began with his first pair of plastic binoculars when he was 9.

“This is my passion,” he said, examining a telescope. “I couldn’t see the Moon but maybe someone else will be lucky.”

Ultimately, it is the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department that makes the decision after collecting all the reports from across the country.

Eid Al Fitr and the first of Shawwal — the 10th month in the Islamic calendar — is set to be on May 2, but will be confirmed closer to the time.

Preparations for Ramadan 2022 - in pictures

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  Putting up decorations and ornaments in Giza, Egypt, in preparation for Ramadan. EPA

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  A boy rides a bicycle past street decorations in Giza. EPA

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  Muslims around the world celebrate the holy month with prayer and by abstaining from eating and drinking during the period between sunrise and sunset. EPA

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  Traditional Ramadan fanous lanterns on display in Cairo, Egypt. Reuters

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  An Egyptian seller waits for customers at his dates stall in Cairo. Reuters

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  A trader arranges decorative lanterns in Jerusalem's Old City. Reuters

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  Women shop for decorations at Al Zawya traditional market in Gaza City. AP Photo

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  Colourful decorations in Gaza. AP Photo

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  A Palestinian woman hangs a fanous lantern in Gaza City. AFP

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  Iraq prepares to welcome in the holy month. AFP

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  People shop at a wholesale market in Mosul, Iraq. Reuters

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  An Iraqi man shops at a wholesale market in preparation for Ramadan. Reuters