Ramadan To Start Wednesday, 1600 Prisoners Released

The Holy month of Ramadan will start on Wednesday, after an official announcement by the Moon Sighting Committee.

According to state news agency WAM, “The moon sighting committee has announced that tomorrow, Tuesday July 9, will be the 30th day of the month of Sha’aban. Accordingly, Wednesday July 10 will be the first day of the holy month of Ramadan.”

The High Judiciary Council of Saudi Arabia issued a matching statement, confirming Ramadan will begin on the 10th.

In response to the Holy month, around 1,600 prisoners have been released from UAE prisons.

President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed al Nahyan ordered the release of 973 inmates from Abu Dhabi jails, and even pledged to settle all their financial commitments that have resulted from their court cases.

A statement from WAM said: “The release comes as part of the president’s keenness to give the inmates a chance to resume new life and ease suffering of their families.”

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al Maktoum, prime minister of the UAE and ruler of Dubai, has also pardoned 625 prisoners.

Workings hours for private and public offices during Ramadan have also been issued by Saqr bin Ghobash Saeed Ghobash, the minister of labour.

Private employees will have their working day reduced by two hours while public sector departments will open from 9 am to 2 pm.