A Jeddah-based association of astronomers has said the first day of Ramadan would most likely be on Tuesday, but added that it could be difficult to sight the new moon on Monday evening. The new moon will be visible only for two minutes after the sunset on Monday so it may be difficult to sight it with the naked eye or with the help of binoculars, Dr Sharaf Al Safiani, said. The Deputy Chairman of Association of Astronomers told Saudi daily Okaz: “Our calculation suggests that Tuesday should be the first day of the fasting month.” The newspaper’s website reported yesterday that in the northern and central parts of the kingdom the new moon will disappear slightly before the sunset on Monday so it will not be visible at all. Dr Al Safiani didn’t talk about Qatar but since it is located north of Saudi Arabia it is most likely the new moon wouldn’t be sighted here as well. Meanwhile, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs, H E Ahmed bin Abdullah Al Mahmoud, announced that government offices, including ministries, authorities and other state agencies, will work from 9am until 2pm on weekdays during Ramadan. Qatar News Agency reported that the Deputy Premier had issued a circular announcing working hours of the government sector during the holy month. The offices will remain open for five hours. The Ministry of Labour said on its website that the job contract endorsement office of the Labour Department at C Ring Road (Muntazah area) will be open from 7.30pm until 11pm on weekdays during Ramadan. The website didn’t mention morning work hours of the department. http://thepeninsulaqatar.com/qatar/243947-ramadan-likely-to-start-on-tuesday.html

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