As the Islamic calendar is based on lunar cycles, the month of Ramadan, which is the ninth month, begins with the sighting of the crescent moon. The UAE’s moon-sighting committee has called on the public to look out for the crescent on the evening of March 10, which marks the 29th of Sha’ban. If the crescent is seen, Ramadan will start on March 11. If not, the holy month will commence on March 12. Witnesses can report their sightings to the designated number, 026921166.
The Islamic calendar consists of 12 months, including Muharram, Safar, Rabi’ al-Awwal, Rabi’ al-Thani, Jumada al-Awwal, Jumada al-Thani, Rajab, Sha’aban, Ramadan, Shawwal, Dhu al-Qadah, and Dhu al-Hijjah. As it is a lunar calendar, it is shorter than the Gregorian calendar by about ten days, causing Ramadan to fall at different times each year in the Gregorian calendar.
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Embracing Ramadan 2024 in the UAE: Traditions, Adjustments, and the Spirit of Giving
