The UAE moon-sighting committee announced that Saturday, March 1, 2025, will mark the start of the holy month of Ramadan, offering heartfelt congratulations to the country’s leaders and Muslims worldwide on this blessed occasion.
The official moon-sighting committee in the UAE convened on Friday and confirmed that the crescent moon had been sighted, making Saturday, March 1, 2025, the first day of Ramadan. The meeting took place at the historic Al Hosn site in Abu Dhabi, chaired by Sheikh Abdullah bin Bayyah, President of the UAE Council for Sharia Fatwa, alongside Dr. Omar Habtoor Al Darei and a panel of religious scholars, Ministry of Justice officials, and astronomers.
On this occasion, the committee extended its best wishes to His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE; His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai; the Supreme Council Members and Rulers of the Emirates; and Crown Princes. The announcement also conveyed greetings to Muslims worldwide, highlighting the spirit of unity and compassion that defines the holy month.
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, observed by Muslims worldwide as a time of fasting, prayer, reflection, and community. From dawn until sunset, believers abstain from food and drink, focusing instead on acts of worship, charity, and self-discipline. It is a month marked by family gatherings at iftar (the meal that breaks the fast each evening), special night prayers called Tarawih, and increased spiritual contemplation. In the UAE, mosques and community centers often host communal iftars, and local organizations intensify charitable initiatives to support those in need.
The observance of Ramadan is based on lunar cycles, which is why moon-sighting committees play such an important role in determining the month’s start date. Many mosques and astronomical observatories across the UAE and other Islamic countries collaborate to pinpoint the exact moment the new crescent moon is visible. Since the Islamic calendar is shorter than the Gregorian calendar, Ramadan moves approximately 10 days earlier each year, meaning that the experience of fasting can vary significantly depending on the season.
Fasting, known as "sawm," is one of the Five Pillars of Islam and is mandatory for all healthy adult Muslims. It is not merely about abstaining from food and drink but also about avoiding negative behaviors such as gossip, anger, and dishonesty. The fast is broken at sunset with iftar, often beginning with dates and water, following the tradition of Prophet Muhammad. Before dawn, Muslims eat a pre-fast meal called suhoor, which helps sustain them throughout the day.
Ramadan is a time of heightened spirituality. Muslims engage in extra prayers, read the Quran more frequently, and seek forgiveness for past mistakes. The Tarawih prayer, performed in mosques at night, is a special feature of Ramadan. Many Muslims also give Zakat (charity) during this month, as generosity and helping the less fortunate are highly encouraged.
Ramadan fosters a strong sense of community. Families and friends gather for iftar, and in many Muslim-majority countries, the atmosphere transforms, with streets lit up and markets bustling in the evenings. The month ends with Eid al-Fitr, a joyous celebration marked by feasting, gift-giving, and communal prayers.
Throughout the holy month, working hours for many government and private sector employees are reduced, and social gatherings, charity events, and special markets become common. Families often use this time to strengthen bonds and practice generosity by offering food to neighbors and community members. The UAE’s leadership places a strong emphasis on ensuring that people of all backgrounds feel welcome and can participate in Ramadan traditions in a respectful and inclusive environment.
As the UAE officially enters Ramadan, believers prepare for 29 or 30 days of fasting and reflection, culminating in the celebration of Eid Al Fitr, when Muslims gather for communal prayers and festive meals. The holy month serves as a period for both spiritual renewal and community bonding—a cornerstone of the nation’s cultural and religious fabric.
