UAE: Ramadan expected to begin on March 12

Ramadan in the UAE is expected to begin on March 12, according to astronomical calculations. The International Astronomy Center said that a crescent sighting is expected on March 10, which means Ramadan will start on March 12, which falls on a Tuesday. The official announcement will be made by the UAE’s Moonsighting Committee as soon as the Ramadan crescent is spotted. Ibrahim Al Jarwan, chairman of the Emirates Astronomical Society, said that this is the first Ramadan since 2000 to fall during winter in the UAE. This year’s Ramadan is expected to last for 30 days, with Eid Al Fitr expected to fall on April 10. A public holiday is expected from April 9 to 12. During Ramadan, the total work hours in the UAE are reduced by two hours per day. Some restaurants are closed during daytime fasting hours, but majority are open to sell food. In Sharjah, shops and restaurants planning to sell or display food during daytime hours during Ramadan must get a permit from the Sharjah City Municipality. The permit to sell food for takeaways and home deliveries costs Dh3,000. The permit to display food costs Dh500. Restaurants and shops will not be allowed to have customers in the dining areas. In Dubai, restaurants and shops are allowed to have customers in dining areas even during the daytime fasting hours.

Ramadan etiquette for non-Muslims

In the UAE, non-Muslims are not required to fast during Ramadan, but are encouraged to refrain from eating, drinking or smoking in public during fasting hours. Playing loud music is also not allowed. Begging is illegal in the UAE, and the public is urged to avoid dealing with beggars. Under UAE law, beggars will be fined and deported. ICA/Expat Media
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