The decision was announced by the UAE Moon Sighting Committee after their meeting on Tuesday night.
According to a report by WAM, the UAE’s Moon-sighting Committee has declared that Thursday will mark the beginning of the Holy Month of Ramadan in the UAE, as tomorrow, Wednesday, the 22nd of March 2023, will be recognized as the 30th day of Sha’ban.
Ramadan is considered the most sacred month in the Islamic calendar as it was the time when the Quran was first revealed to Prophet Mohammed (peace be upon him) on the night of Laylat Al Qadr.
The month of Ramadan is a time for practising piety, charity, and receiving blessings. Muslims who are physically able are required to observe fasting, which involves refraining from eating and drinking from dawn to dusk. Practice of fasting is one of the five pillars of Islam.
During Ramadan, there are two main meals consumed by Muslims: Suhoor and Iftar. Suhoor is taken early in the morning before sunrise, just before the start of the fasting hours. Iftar is the meal that Muslims take to break their fast at sunset during the month of Ramadan.
According to the tradition of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), it is recommended to break the fast with dates and water or milk. This practice is observed in many parts of the Islamic world, and it is believed to have health benefits as well as spiritual significance. In addition to dates and water or milk, iftar usually includes a variety of dishes and drinks, which vary depending on the culture and traditions of the region.
The Federal Authority for Government Human Resources (FAHR) has released a circular stating the official working hours for ministries and federal authorities during Ramadan. The working hours are from 9am to 2.30pm from Monday to Thursday, and 9am to 12pm on Friday. It’s important to note that these working hours may be subject to change depending on the specific organization and the directives of their respective management.
On the other hand, the UAE Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) has declared that work shifts in the private sector will be shortened by two hours during the holy month.
