All eyes will be on the UAE skies this Friday after Maghrib. If the crescent Moon is spotted, Ramadan will commence on March 1. But if the crescent fails to appear, the Holy Month will begin on March 2.

The Emirates Fatwa Council has urged all Muslims across the country to scour the skies on February 28. The council’s announcement on Wednesday came as the Holy Month of Ramadan is just a few days away. 

The UAE International Astronomy Centre is betting on a March 1 start, as faithfuls across the country anxiously await the celestial signal that marks the beginning of Ramadan.

If Ramadan is announced on February 28, reduced working hours will apply to the government and private sector. The Federal Authority for Government Human Resources has already announced that daily work hours will be reduced by two hours. This decision is aimed at helping staff manage their routines during the Holy Month while ensuring they have more time for prayer and reflection.

Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia has also urged all Muslims in the Kingdom to scour the skies on Friday, February 28, in a bid to sight the crescent and herald the Holy Month.