President Sheikh Mohamed sends out Ramadan 2023 greetings to leaders across the Arab world

UAE leader calls for the continued health and prosperity of kings, emirs and presidents and their people

President Sheikh Mohamed has reached out to leaders across the Arab world on the eve of Ramadan. Chris Whiteoak / The National

President Sheikh Mohamed has sent out greetings to leaders across the Arab world on the eve of Ramadan.

Sheikh Mohamed offered congratulatory messages to the kings, emirs and presidents of Islamic nations, state news agency Wam reported.

He called for the continued good health and well-being of the leaders and their people and expressed his desire for further progress and prosperity for Arab and Islamic countries.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, sent 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 the holy month.

"All congratulations to the people of the Emirates and to all the Arab and Islamic peoples on the occasion of the blessed month of Ramadan," he wrote on Twitter.

Ramadan will begin across the region on Thursday.

The UAE's Moon-sighting committee met at the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department after maghrib (sunset) prayers on Tuesday and announced it could not yet see a new crescent moon, meaning the holy month would start on Thursday.

Saudi Arabia had earlier declared Ramadan would commence on Thursday after its sighting committee was unable to see the new moon on Tuesday.

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

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

Ramadan preparations - in pictures

Ramadan decor at Lulu Hypermarket, Abu Dhabi. Khushnum Bhandari / The National

Workers arrange fruit at a fresh produce market in Dubai before the Muslim fasting month. AFP

Festive lighting for Ramadan along the Corniche, Abu Dhabi. Khushnum Bhandari / The National

Ramadan decorations at Dubai Mall, Dubai. Chris Whiteoak / The National

A stall holder in Dubai with produce ready for Ramadan. EPA

Dubai old souq hung with traditional Ramadan decorations. EPA

The old souq in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. EPA

Ramadan sales advertising at Lulu Hypermarket, Abu Dhabi. Khushnum Bhandari / The National

Ramadan decorations at Dubai Mall, Dubai. Chris Whiteoak / The National

The old souq in Dubai. EPA

Ramadan decorations at Dubai Mall, Dubai. Chris Whiteoak / The National

Khalifa City residents buy groceries in preparation for Ramadan at Lulu Hypermarket, Al Forsan Central Mall. Victor Besa / The National

Ramadan decorations at Dubai Mall, Dubai. Chris Whiteoak / The National

Shoppers at Lulu Hypermarket, Al Forsan Central Mall. Victor Besa / The National

Decorations at Galleria Mall, Abu Dhabi. Khushnum Bhandari / The National

Staff stocking shelves at at Lulu Hypermarket, Abu Dhabi. Khushnum Bhandari / The National

Ramadan decorations at Galleria Mall, Abu Dhabi. Khushnum Bhandari / The National

Lulu Hypermarket, Abu Dhabi, all set for Ramadan. Khushnum Bhandari / The National

Festive decorations for Ramadan at Galleria Mall, Abu Dhabi. Khushnum Bhandari / The National

Ramadan sales signage in the electronics section at Lulu Hypermarket, Abu Dhabi. Khushnum Bhandari / The National

Ramadan decorations in Dubai before the Muslim holy fasting month. AFP

Ramadan decor throughout Lulu Hypermarket, Abu Dhabi. Khushnum Bhandari / The National

Spices on display at the Souq Ramadan in Dubai ahead of the Muslim fasting month. AFP

Souq Ramadan in Dubai. AFP

The Ramadan discount counter at Carrefour at Ibn Battuta mall in Dubai. Pawan Singh / The National

A woman taking a photograph of the Ramadan cannon at Expo City, Dubai. Ruel Pableo for The National