Ramadan 2024 start date for Muslim-majority countries

The blessed month of Ramadan is upon us. An estimated 1.9 billion Muslims around the world fast through the holy month.

As the Islamic calendar is based on lunar cycles, the precise start date of Ramadan, and all other Islamic months, hinges on the sighting of the new moon. 

Hence the exact start date can only be confirmed a night or two in advance. Islamic months are either 29 or 30 days long. 

Here's are the tentative dates for the beginning of the holy month across select Muslim-majority countries. 

- Saudi Arabia 

Ramadan is scheduled to begin on Monday, March 11 or Tuesday, March 12, this year. 

- UAE

Ramadan is expected to fall on March 11. The UAE’s International Astronomy Centre announced the sighting of the Shaban crescent moon on February 10.

- Qatar 

Ramadan 2024 is astronomically expected to fall on Monday, March 11, according to the Qatar Calendar House.

- Malaysia 

According to astrological predictions, the first day of the holy month of Ramadan is set to fall on March 11. 

- Indonesia

Much like the rest of the world, the holy month is expected to begin on Monday, March 11, this year. 

- Pakistan

Ramadan is expected to commence on Tuesday, March 12, across the country. 

- Turkey 

The first day of the holy month is set to fall on March 11. 

- Iran 

Ramadan is expected to fall on March 11.