Ramadan 2024 dates announced by Saudi Arabia, UAE

Saudi Arabia’s Supreme Court announced that Monday will mark the first day of Ramadan.

The crescent moon was sighted on Sunday evening in Sudair and Al-Hariq, reported the Saudi Press Agency (SPA).

#Saudi Supreme Court Declares March 11 Start of Ramadan.#SPAGOV pic.twitter.com/H1r9i6IvSA

— SPAENG (@Spa_Eng) March 10, 2024

Additionally, the date was confirmed by the UAE’s Moon-sighting Committee, reported Dubai Media Office. This signifies that Sunday, March 10 is the last day of Sha’ban.

Monday is the first day of Ramadan in #UAE

— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) March 10, 2024

Ramadan 2024 begins

The sighting of the crescent moon marks the commencement of the holy month of Ramadan. Countries such as Saudi Arabia, the UAE, the UK, the US, and Australia are gearing up to commence Ramadan fasting on Monday, March 11.

The tradition of moon sighting before Ramadan, also known as Ramzan/Ramazan/Ramzaan, holds significant importance in the Islamic faith.

It signifies the beginning of a month-long period of fasting from dawn until sunset, accompanied by acts of charity and worship.

Fasting period

Fasting during Ramadan is one of the five pillars of Islam, during which adherents abstain from food, drink, smoking, negative thoughts, and actions, from dawn until sunset.

Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, spans approximately 720 hours, equivalent to four weeks and two days.

During this time, followers engage in spiritual practices, including prayer for peace and guidance, charitable giving (zakaat), and humanitarian activities such as feeding the underprivileged.

It is also a period for introspection to enhance spiritual enlightenment.

The date of Ramadan varies annually due to the Islamic calendar’s reliance on the lunar cycle. As such, the beginning and end dates are determined by the sighting of the crescent moon, reflecting the lunar nature of the Islamic calendar.

READ: Dubai’s RTA announces Ramadan hours for parking, public transport

READ: Ramadan 2024: UAE announces reduced working hours for the holy month