Saudi Gazette report

RIYADH — Saudi Arabia is observing the crescent moon on Friday evening to determine the start of the holy month of Ramadan, while thick clouds cover the sky over the Tamir Observatory, a key moon-sighting location.

A local observer noted that atmospheric conditions are favorable for sighting the crescent, with intermittent cloud cover expected to clear in the coming minutes, allowing a potential sighting of the new moon, according to Al-Arabiya channel.

Weather experts indicated that conditions vary across different regions, with attention focused on cloud movements that could impact visibility.

The Saudi Supreme Court had earlier called on the public to look for the Ramadan crescent on Friday, February 28, corresponding to the 29th of Sha'ban.

The court urged those who spot the moon, whether with the naked eye or telescopes, to report their sightings to the nearest court or observation center.

Meanwhile, the UAE-based International Astronomy Center stated that the crescent moon would be visible through telescopes in parts of West Asia, most of Africa, and southern Europe. In the Americas, it could be seen with the naked eye.

The center added that since the crescent is expected to be visible from parts of the Islamic world on Friday, and considering that conjunction will occur before sunset with the moon setting after the sun in all Islamic countries, most nations are likely to declare Saturday, March 1, as the first day of Ramadan.