The UAE has announced that Saturday, 1 March will mark the beginning of the holy month of Ramadan.
The moon-sighting committee met at Al Hosn, Abu Dhabi, on Friday evening and confirmed the sighting of the crescent moon, signalling the start of the fasting period.
This follows Saudi Arabia’s decision to commence Ramadan on the same day after its own committee sighted the moon.
“As the holy month of Ramadan begins, I wish all those observing in the UAE and around the world a blessed month,” President Sheikh Mohamed wrote on X. “Together, we pray for God to bestow His mercy on us and grant peace, harmony, and unity to all.”
As the holy month of Ramadan begins, I wish all those observing in the UAE and around the world a blessed month. Together, we pray for God to bestow His mercy on us and grant peace, harmony, and unity to all.
— محمد بن زايد (@MohamedBinZayed) February 28, 2025
“I extend my warmest greetings to the people of the UAE, and Arab and Islamic Nations, as we welcome the blessed month of Ramadan,” Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, added. “May it bring peace, unity, and strength to us all.”
Ramadan begins on a different day each year, determined by the lunar calendar. The exact date is typically confirmed just days before the start, as each country’s moon-sighting committee makes the final decision.
For the first time this year, drones and artificial intelligence were used to monitor the crescent moon.
Ramadan in the UAE
With Ramadan now taking place during Winter, cooler weather translates to more al fresco offerings in addition to elevated fare and memorable settings. From sprawling tents to sharing-style dishes served against the backdrop of rolling dunes, these are the best places to have iftar during Ramadan 2025.
Discover: UAE confirms start of Ramadan on 1 March.
