The holy month of Ramadan will begin on Wednesday in several Middle Eastern countries, including Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, following the sighting of the crescent moon on Tuesday evening (Sha’ban 29).

Authorities in both countries confirmed the sighting, declaring Wednesday, February 18, as the first day of Ramadan.

The Presidential Court in the UAE officially announced that Wednesday will mark the start of the holy month across the country.

However, several countries in Southeast Asia — including Brunei, Malaysia and Indonesia — reported that the crescent moon was not sighted on Tuesday. As a result, these countries will begin observing Ramadan on Thursday.

Meanwhile, moon-sighting committees in India, Pakistan and Bangladesh did not convene on Tuesday, as the day corresponded to Sha’ban 28 in those countries.

Officials in the three South Asian nations are scheduled to meet on Wednesday evening to observe the crescent moon. The decision on the start of Ramadan in these countries will be announced following the meeting.

Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, is observed by Muslims worldwide through fasting, prayer and reflection.