Dubai: Muslims who fast during Ramadan this year will experience the longest day of the fasting month in 26 years, according to a calendar expert here.

"The first day of Ramadan will be the longest day as Muslims will have to fast for 14 hours and 50 minutes," said Ashraf Nourul Haq Ashraf, head of the Calendar Department at Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities in Dubai.

Ashraf said Muslims will fast for the longest duration during this Ramadan, after 26 years.

He told Gulf News that the first day of Ramadan is expected to be on August 1 and the dawn (Fajr) prayer call will be at 4:26am, while dusk (Maghrib) prayer will start at 7:06pm. Those observing the fast, stop eating and drinking 10 minutes before dawn and end their fast at dusk (sunset).

The minimum duration of fasting during this Ramadan will be 14 hours. During the first few days, fasting will be for about 14 hours 50 minutes, while the last few days of Ramadan will see the duration reduced to about 14 hours only as the length of the day will start getting shorter by that time.

Precautions

The first 10 days of Ramadan will see the duration of fasting come down gradually from 14 hours 50 minutes to 14 hours 28 minutes.

Ashraf urged all those who will be observing fast during Ramadan to avoid direct sunlight and take precautionary measures.

Heat alert

This Ramadan is also going to be one of the hottest months of this summer. According to the weather office, the temperature throughout the month will be ranging between 40 and 45 degrees Celsius.