President greets Arab leaders on first day of holy month

President Sheikh Mohamed exchanged Ramadan greetings with leaders from around the Arab world as the holy month began.

Sheikh Mohamed shared his best wishes for the month ahead and called for peace and harmony for people in the UAE and around the globe.

The President spoke with King Hamad of Bahrain, King Abdullah II of Jordan, President Abdel Fattah El Sisi of Egypt and Tunisia’s President Kais Saied, state news agency Wam reported.

Sheikh Mohamed and the other Arab leaders expressed their hopes for sustained prosperity and progress in Arab and Muslim nations.

They also prayed to God for global stability.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, also received similar messages marking the occasion.

Muslims in the UAE on Thursday attended the first morning prayers of Ramadan this year.

The fajr morning prayer marks the beginning of daily fasting.

This year, Muslims in the Emirates will begin the month by fasting for about 14 hours and 45 minutes.

As the days lengthen, the fasting time will increase.

By the last day of the holy month, the fast will be about 46 minutes longer.

On Wednesday night, Ramadan cannon were fired twice – the traditional way to herald the beginning of the holy month.

Ramadan cannon are fired across the UAE.

During the holy month, the cannon will be fired daily to announce maghrib – or sunset – prayers.

After maghrib, Muslims break their fast with an iftar meal.

On Wednesday, Sheikh Mohamed called for “peace and harmony” for people in the UAE and across the globe.