Astronomers reveal this year's Ramadan dates

The most likely dates for Ramadan this year have been revealed by astronomers - with fasting set to exceed 13 hours per day.

The Sharjah Center for Astronomy & Space Sciences said the Holy Month is expected to begin on Thursday May 17. Ibrahim Al Jarwan, deputy director general of the Sharjah Centre for Astronomy & Space Sciences, said: "The new moon of the Holy Month of Ramadan is to be 'born' on Tuesday, May 13 around 3.48 pm UAE time, and disappears two minutes before sunset of the same evening." However, the new moon will be impossible to see after sunset that day and will only be glimpsed for the first time on Wednesday May 16. Provided that the predictions ring true, that means the first day of Ramadan will be Thursday May 17. Fasting hours will be 13.25 hours at the beginning of the Holy Month, increasing to 15 hours by the end of the month. The temperature in June is expected to be approximately 41C with the region affected by hot winds every 10 to 14 days.