The first day of Ramadan is set to be on Saturday after the UAE moon-sighting committee failed to sight the new Moon crescent on Thursday night.
Friday will be the last day of Sha'ban, likely making Saturday the first day of the holy month, reported Aletihad, the Arabic-language sister newspaper of The National.
The Committee will reconvene on Friday to look for the crescent Moon.
Ramadan is the ninth month in the Islamic (Hijri) calendar. It is the most holy month in the calendar for Muslims as it is believed the Quran was revealed to Prophet Mohammed during Ramadan.
Thousands of school pupils will be sitting examinations during Ramadan this year. The last day of school for pupils is July 5.
School hours will also be shortened across the country.
Public transport and paid parking timings will also change in Abu Dhabi and Dubai throughout the month.
The holy month will be marked by a host of activities across the country, from cultural evenings to Ramadan tents.
Charities will also step up their efforts as zakat – meaning charity – is one of the five pillars of Islam.
To improve road safety, Abu Dhabi Traffic Police will distribute meals to motorists throughout Ramadan to decrease the number of drivers rushing to get to iftar. Food will also be distributed at 10 locations across Abu Dhabi by volunteers in cooperation with Al Ihsan Charitable Association.
The projects are part of the Ramadan Aman campaign to ensure the smooth flow of traffic, said Col Mohammed Dhahi Al Hmeiri, head of traffic and patrols directorate at Abu Dhabi Police.
• FAQs: Everything you need to know about the holy month in the UAE
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