Dhaka, Oct. 4 -- Astronomers predict Ramadan will begin on February 19, a Thursday, in the UAE and across other Middle Eastern nations. Ibrahim Al Jarwan, chairman of the Emirates Astronomy Society, noted that preliminary calculations place the new moon for Ramadan at 4:01 pm UAE time on February 17, according to Gulf News. The society added that the moon will set about one minute after sunset on February 17, making crescent Moon observation impossible that evening. Consequently, Ramadan is expected to start on February 19.

Al Jarwan also indicated that the fasting period will start at 12 hours and 46 minutes, gradually extending to 13 hours and 25 minutes by the month's end. He mentioned that daylight hours will begin at 11 hours and 32...