The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi. ARCHIVE

The UAE has called on Muslims to sight the Ramadan crescent moon on Friday evening (February 28), the Emirates Fatwa Council announced. The sighting will determine the start of Ramadan, with the holy month likely to begin on March 1 if the moon is spotted. If not, Ramadan will commence on March 2. The Emirates Fatwa Council’s Ramadan Crescent Sighting Committee will oversee the moon sighting process. The council has urged anyone who sights the crescent moon to report their observations by calling 02 7774647. “The sighting of the crescent moon marks the beginning of Ramadan, a sacred time for Muslims worldwide,” the Council said in a statement. The International Astronomy Centre has predicted that the moon will likely be visible on February 28, aligning with the Council’s estimates. During Ramadan, working hours for government and private sector employees will be shortened. The UAE has also encouraged community-based initiatives during the holy month. Saudi Arabia has issued a similar call for moon sightings, as Islamic countries coordinate to determine the unified start of Ramadan. ICA/Expat Media
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