In an official statement, the Royal Court of Saudi Arabia has declared that Monday, 11th March 2024, marks the commencement of the sacred month of Ramadan for the year 1445 AH (2024 AD) within the country.

The crescent for Ramadan 2024 was sighted at the Sudair observatory in Saudi Arabia on Sunday evening, prompting the beginning of Taraweeh prayers across the Kingdom from today onwards.

Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, entails fasting from dawn until sunset, during which Muslims abstain from eating or drinking.

Throughout this holy month, Muslims engage in increased Quranic readings, recitations of Taraweeh prayers, and charitable acts, fostering spiritual reflection and community solidarity.

Notably, other GCC states, including the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Qatar, have also confirmed 11th March as the commencement of Ramadan, except for the Sultanate of Oman.

Conversely, countries such as Australia, Malaysia, Philippines, Oman, and Brunei have announced 12th March as the onset of Ramadan 2024 due to the inability to sight the crescent on the previous evening.