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.
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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Healthy tips to remember
Here, Dr Mohamed El Abiary, paediatric consultant at Al Zahra Hospital Dubai, shares some advice for parents whose children are fasting during the holy month of Ramadan:
Gradual fasting and golden points - For children under the age of 10, follow a step-by-step approach to fasting and don't push them beyond their limits. Start with a few hours fasting a day and increase it to a half fast and full fast when the child is ready. Every individual's ability varies as per the age and personal readiness. You could introduce a points system that awards the child and offers them encouragement when they make progress with the amount of hours they fast
Why fast? - Explain to your child why they are fasting. By shedding light on the importance of abstaining from food and drink, children may feel more encouraged to give it there all during the observance period. It is also a good opportunity to teach children about controlling urges, doing good for others and instilling healthy food habits
Sleep and suhoor - A child needs adequate sleep every night - at least eight hours. Make sure to set a routine early bedtime so he/she has sufficient time to wake up for suhoor, which is an essential meal at the beginning of the day
Good diet - Nutritious food is crucial to ensuring a healthy Ramadan for children. They must refrain from eating too much junk food as well as canned goods and snacks and drinks high in sugar. Foods that are rich in nutrients, vitamins and proteins, like fruits, fresh meats and vegetables, make for a good balanced diet
