Dhaka, Oct. 4 -- Astronomers have predicted that Ramadan will begin on Feb 19, a Thursday, in the UAE and other Middle Eastern countries.

Ibrahim Al Jarwan, chairman of the Emirates Astronomy Society, said, according to preliminary calculations, the new moon for Ramadan will occur at 4:01pm on Feb 17 in UAE time, according to Gulf News.

The society added that the moon will set just a minute after sunset on Feb 17, making it impossible to observe the moon that evening. So, the start of Ramadan is expected to fall on Feb 19.

Al Jarwan said the fasting period will begin at 12 hours and 46 minutes, gradually increasing to 13 hours and 25 minutes by the end of the month.

He also mentioned that the daylight hours will start at 11 hours and ...