Fasting to begin tomorrow

The first day of Ramadan is expected to be tomorrow after the UAE moon-sighting committee did not sight the new Moon crescent last night.

Today will be the last day of Shaban

. Ramadan is the ninth month in the Islamic (Hijri) calendar. It is the most holy month because it is believed the Quran was revealed to Prophet Mohammed during Ramadan.

School hours will be shortened across the country but thousands of pupils will still be sitting exams during Ramadan. The last day of school for pupils is July 5.

Public transport and paid parking timings will change in Abu Dhabi and Dubai throughout the holy month.

Across the emirates there will be a host of activities, including cultural evenings.

Charities will step up their efforts because 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.