The Holy Month of Ramadan will officially start on Wednesday, Feb. 18, after the crescent moon has been sighted in the UAE, the Presidential Court has announced. Tuesday, Feb. 17, marks the final day of Sha’ban, the month preceding Ramadan. The announcement follows the convening of the Committee for the Sighting of the Crescent today at the historic Qasr Al Hosn in Abu Dhabi. Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, is one of the holiest periods for Muslims worldwide and typically lasts 29 or 30 days, depending on the lunar cycle. During this month, Muslims fast from dawn to sunset, refraining from food, drink, and other physical needs as an act of worship. Experts also clarified that a recent annular eclipse would not affect the visibility of the Ramadan crescent. Meanwhile, in the United Arab Emirates, authorities confirmed shorter working hours for both private and public sector employees during the holy month. The fast is broken at sunset with iftar, often shared with family and community, and preceded by a pre-dawn meal called suhoor. Prior to the moon sighting, the UAE government has announced reduced working hours for public and private sector employees in observance of the holy month. Authorities in Saudi Arabia have officially announced that Ramadan will begin on February 18 after the crescent moon was sighted on Tuesday evening. Officials noted that the shorter workday allows residents more time for prayer, family and reflection, while HR experts said Ramadan often helps employees become more focused and intentional with their time despite the initial adjustment period. The declaration followed calls for the public to observe the sky on the 29th day of Shaban, corresponding to February 17 on the Gregorian calendar. Officials said modern technology was used for the first time at the Sudair Observatory to assist with moon sighting, while the newly opened Tamir Observatory will serve as an accredited site for official lunar monitoring. The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation said private companies may adopt flexible or remote work arrangements within the reduced daily hours. Public sector schedules will run from 9:00am to 2:30pm Monday to Thursday and from 9:00am to noon on Fridays, except for roles requiring different hours. The facility continues the region’s long-standing tradition of moon observation but now follows updated scientific standards.
