RIYADH, Feb 17: The crescent moon marking the start of the holy month has been sighted in Saudi Arabia, authorities announced. Accordingly, the first day of Ramadan 1447 AH will begin at sunset tonight, with Muslims across the Kingdom set to commence fasting at dawn tomorrow.

Qatar likewise confirmed the sighting, announcing that fasting will begin on Wednesday. In the United Arab Emirates, officials also declared Wednesday as the first day of Ramadan following the confirmed moon sighting.

Meanwhile, several countries confirmed that Thursday will mark the beginning of Ramadan after the crescent was not sighted on Tuesday, according to official religious authorities and reports shared by the International Astronomy Center.

In Singapore, the Mufti announced that Ramadan will begin on Thursday, February 19, as the crescent was not visible. Brunei, Malaysia and Indonesia also declared Thursday as the first day of Ramadan due to the non-sighting of the moon.

Similarly, Turkey’s Presidency of Religious Affairs stated that the crescent was not visible from anywhere in the Arab and Islamic world or the Americas on Tuesday, setting Thursday as the start of Ramadan.

The Sultanate of Oman likewise confirmed that Wednesday would complete the month of Sha’ban, with Ramadan commencing on Thursday, as astronomical experts reiterated the impossibility of sighting the crescent that evening.