Countdown to Ramadan 2024: Dates and Break Revealed for UAE Residents
The countdown to the Islamic month of Ramadan has begun in the UAE, with just 90 days remaining. Ramadan is a sacred period for Muslims, involving fasting from dawn to dusk, reduced office hours, and a prevailing spiritual atmosphere. The start of Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, is determined by the sighting of the crescent moon. While exact dates are subject to moon sightings, astronomical calculations can provide fairly accurate predictions.
According to the Dubai Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department (IACAD) Hijri calendar, Ramadan is expected to commence on Tuesday, March 12, 2024. The temperatures during this time will be cool as it marks the beginning of the spring season in the UAE. Schools are likely to be closed for either the spring break or end-of-term break around the start of Ramadan.
Fasting hours in 2024 will be shorter compared to 2023. On the first day of Ramadan, Muslims will fast for 13 hours and 16 minutes, gradually increasing to almost 14 hours by the end of the month. In 2023, fasting hours ranged from 13 hours and 33 minutes to 14 hours and 16 minutes.
As per the IACAD calendar, Ramadan is anticipated to last for 29 days, with the final fasting day falling on Tuesday, April 9. Following Ramadan, the Islamic festival of Eid Al Fitr will be observed. In 2024, Eid Al Fitr will offer the longest official break for residents. The government has declared Ramadan 29 to Shawwal 3 as a public holiday, translating to Tuesday, April 9, until Friday, April 12, in the Gregorian calendar. With the inclusion of the Saturday-Sunday weekend, this results in a six-day break for the public.
These dates provide individuals and families an opportunity for extended celebrations and gatherings during the festive period, reflecting the cultural and religious significance of Ramadan and Eid Al Fitr in the UAE.
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By- Sahiba Suri
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