Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid has wished the people of the UAE a blessed Ramadan, describing the holy month as one of "goodness and mercy".
The Vice President and Ruler of Dubai offered his congratulations on Twitter, praying for "the blessing of good health, well-being, safety and stability in this country" for all.
On behalf of people and residents in the UAE, I wish All around the world a blessed Ramadan. May it bring us good health, prosperity and peace. Together, we will lead our world towards the better.
— HH Sheikh Mohammed (@HHShkMohd) April 23, 2020
"We reassure our people that the country is well, the future is promising, and that God has protected our benevolent country.
"May Allah accept our prayers, fasting and good deeds," he said.
Ramadan, the holiest month in the Islamic calendar in which Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset, is expected to begin on Friday.
Ramadan Mubarak
The official start date will be confirmed by the country's moon-sighting committee, which is due to meet - remotely - after magrhib [sunset] prayers on Thursday.
The new crescent moon, which signals the start of Ramadan, must first be spotted using a telescope and then confirmed with the naked eye.
If the new moon is not sighted, Ramadan will fall on Saturday.
