Ramadan expected to start July 21

Ramadan is expected to begin on July 21 this year, reported the UAE's state news agency WAM.

The Islamic Crescent Observation Project said they expect the Islamic holy month to start two days after the sighting of the crescent moon, anticipated on the night of July 19.

In May, a UAE astronomer also forecast the month to start on July 21, saying that Eid Al Fitr will fall on August 19.

Ibrahim Al Jarwan, astronomy researcher and supervisor of Sharjah Planetarium, said at the time that the birth of the crescent moon will be on Thursday, July 19, at 8.24am (UAE time), and the sunset will be at 5.09pm, while the moon will set two minutes after sunset.

"The crescent moon of Shawwal 1433 will born on Friday August 17 at 5.54pm local time, and the sunset will be at 6.49pm same day," he added in comments published by WAM.

Ramadan is one of the most important events in the Islamic calendar. During the holy month, all Muslims are expected to fast during the daylight hours, with some exceptions, such as the elderly, the not able-bodied and young children.