According to astronomical calculations, the holy month of Ramadan is anticipated to commence on Tuesday, March 12, with fasting expected to last the full 30 days. This projection suggests a six-day holiday for residents to celebrate Eid Al Fitr, the Islamic festival marking the end of Ramadan.
The commencement and conclusion of Ramadan, as well as Eid Al Fitr, traditionally rely on the sighting of the crescent moon, which determines the start and end dates of months in the Islamic Hijri calendar. Khadijah Ahmad, Operations Manager at the Dubai Astronomy Group, highlighted that astronomical maps indicate favorable conditions for the naked-eye sighting of the new crescent Moon on March 11, making March 12 a likely start date for Ramadan.
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The UAE’s Moon sighting committee is set to convene on March 10 to ascertain the crescent moon’s visibility. If sighted, March 11 will mark the first day of Ramadan; otherwise, March 12 will be confirmed as the beginning of the holy month.
Regarding the Eid Al Fitr holiday, it is expected to span from Ramadan 29 to Shawwal 3, as per the list of holidays announced by the UAE government. Corresponding Gregorian calendar dates range from Tuesday, April 9 (Ramadan 29) to Saturday, April 13 (Shawwal 3), with a six-day break factoring in the Sunday weekend.
The upcoming total solar eclipse on April 8, which will cast a shadow on Earth as the Moon covers the Sun, raises concerns about its potential impact on the Moon sighting for Eid Al Fitr. While the eclipse may influence visibility conditions in certain areas, Islamic authorities take such astronomical events into account when making official declarations.
In terms of weather and fasting hours, March-April in Dubai typically experiences warm to hot temperatures, with fasting hours starting at approximately 13 hours and 45 minutes and gradually increasing to about 14 hours and 25 minutes by the end of Ramadan. These variations are attributed to the changing length of the day throughout the month.
Astronomical calculations, while accurate for planning purposes, may not always align with actual human observation. While some Islamic authorities accept astronomical calculations to determine the start of Ramadan, the confirmed start ultimately depends on the physical sighting of the Moon.
As preparations begin for the holy month, residents and authorities alike remain vigilant and observant, embracing the spiritual significance of Ramadan while adhering to traditional practices and religious observances.
