Ramadan is expected to be doubly enjoyable in the year 2030.
This is because of a rare occurrence in the lunar cycle which will result in not one, but two Ramadan months falling within the same year. One at the start of January and another at the end of December.
The last time this happened was in 1994, and it is set to occur again in 2030.
Hassan Ahmed Al Hariri, chief executive officer of the Dubai Astronomy Group, told Gulf News that observing two Ramadans in one year should not be considered a phenomenon as the lunar month moves forward by 11 days every year.
“The solar calendar and the lunar calendar run separately from each other and are different. The solar one is fixed with the sun, while the lunar calendar is always 11 days shorter. So having two Ramadans is a natural result of having two different calendars,” Al Hariri says.
“Calendars were invented by humans so we could use it as a benchmark and to count the time. People should see the two Ramadans as a natural thing,” he said.
In addition to its religious significance, Ramadan is also a time for families and communities to come together and share meals after the fast. The double Ramadan in 2030 is expected to strengthen the bonds of these communities and bring people closer together.