Abu Dhabi: Thursday (June 18) will be the first day of Ramadan, announced the UAE moon-sighting committee.

The announcement was made on Tuesday following a meeting presided over by Dr Sultan Bin Saeed Al Badi, Justice Minister.

According to the committee, Wednesday is the 30th day of Sha’aban, and Thursday will be first day of the fasting month.

On this occasion, the committee extended its heartfelt greetings to President His Highness Shaikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Abu Dhabi Crown Prince and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, Their Highnesses Supreme Council Members and Rulers of the Emirates, and people of the UAE and Islamic world.

Saudi Arabia, Malaysia, Indonesia, Turkey, Japan and many other countries around the world declared that the holy month of Ramadan will start on Thursday, June 18.