The holy month of Ramadan has officially begun in the UAE, following the sighting of the new crescent moon in the country’s skies on Wednesday, February 18. Residents across the Emirates marked the first day of fasting, coming together for reflection, prayer, and acts of charity.
The delicate crescent, which signals the start of Ramadan 1447 AH, was captured on camera at 10:30am by the Khatm Astronomical Observatory, part of the International Astronomy Center. Officials noted that the moon was just 16.6 hours old and sat nearly 10 degrees away from the sun—making daytime observation possible under the right conditions.
The UAE’s official moon-sighting committee gathered at the historic Qasr Al Hosn on Tuesday evening to verify the crescent’s appearance. After confirming the sighting, authorities announced that Ramadan would begin on Wednesday.
In Islamic tradition, lunar months are determined by the sighting of the new crescent, lasting either 29 or 30 days. This year, Shaban—the month before Ramadan—ended after 29 days.
As the sun rose on the first day of Ramadan, Muslims across the UAE began their fast before Fajr prayer at 5:34am, preparing to break their fast at Maghrib, just after 6:18pm. Mosques are now welcoming worshippers for special Taraweeh prayers, and communities are preparing to host iftar gatherings to break the fast each evening.
Ramadan in the UAE is a time of spiritual renewal, generosity, and togetherness. The month sees residents of all backgrounds—Muslim and non-Muslim—joining in acts of kindness, outreach, and solidarity, making it one of the most cherished and unifying times of the year across the Emirates.