Top UAE astronomers have said the moon will not be visible next Tuesday, 17 February, the day that Saudi Arabia is expected to announce a moon-sighting and the beginning of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.
This has prompted speculation that the United Arab Emirates could break with custom and begin Ramadan a day after Saudi Arabia, as diplomatic relations between the two countries continue to deteriorate.
For years Saudi Arabia - home to Islam’s holiest sites - has reported some of its sightings of the crescent moon on days when scientists and astronomers insist it is impossible to see it. Saudi authorities have never addressed these criticisms.
Muslims follow the lunar calendar, which consists of 12 months lasting between either 29 or 30 days. The start of the fasting month of Ramadan depends on the sighting of the crescent moon.
Saudi Arabia uses a calendar called the Umm al-Qura, which is based on calculations and marks key dates years in advance.
