Ramadan 2023 Live Updates: First crescent moon sighted in UAE

Compared to the same time last year, Umrah traffic in the UAE has increased by three times. This comes as Umrah service providers in the nation claim to have seen a sharp increase in pilgrimage. Travel agents claim that the timing of spring break with Ramadan has been a major factor in the rise of travellers. Unlike the Hajj, which has set dates according to the Islamic lunar calendar, the umrah is a pilgrimage to Mecca that people can do at any time of the year.

The world's most populous Muslim-majority nation, Indonesia, is preparing for the holy month of Ramadan, which is anticipated to begin on Thursday, with customs and rituals.

On Friday, April 21, 2023, Ramadan will come to a close, and on Saturday, April 22, 2023, Eid-ul-Fitr will be observed. The specific dates for any nation might change nevertheless.
 

The crescent moon was captured on camera over the capital of the UAE around 8.15am on Wednesday, according to the International Astronomical Centre in Abu Dhabi. The photograph that vividly depicts the crescent against the morning sky was taken by three specialists, including the center's director Mohammad Odeh.

He told Khaleej Times, "The crescent can be spotted any time after the moon rises, which happened at 6.51am this morning. The moon and stars are not usually visible in the daytime because of the bright sunlight, [so] we have to wait for the sun to set."
 

UAE President, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, has ordered the release of 1,025 prisoners from jail as is customary to pardon inmates on Ramadan. The President's pardon offers the freed inmates a chance to reflect on their lives and make constructive contributions to their families, communities, and neighbourhoods in order to lead fulfilling social and professional lives.
 

The ninth month of the Islamic calendar, Ramadan, lasts for 720 hours which is four weeks and two days. During this time, Muslims fast from dawn until dusk. They hold prayers, feed the needy and reflect. The start of the Ramadan holy month was declared by mosques in the United Kingdom for Thursday, 23 March. Kuwait's moon-sighting commission also announced the same date. 
 

According to a report by Khaleej Times, the UAE Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure (MOEI UAE) declared that during the holy month of Ramadan, seafarers will receive free meals and high-quality personal care items. Marihub which is ship supplies platforms' operator will provide this Ramadan package.