Abu Dhabi, Aug 18 - The United Arab Emirates' (UAE) Justice Minister Hadef Jowan Al Dhahiri has issued a notification urging the Sharia courts across the country to look out for the Ramadan moon, WAM news agency reported.

The minister also formed a Ramadan moon sighting committee for the Hijri year 1430 (2009).

Officials of the Justice Ministry, General Authority For Islamic Affairs And Endowments (GAIAE), Abu Dhabi Judicial Department (ADJD), the Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department in Dubai (IACAD), Emirates Astronomical Society (EAS) and UAE Amateur Astronomers Association are members of the committee. The justice minister chairs the committee.

The Sharia Courts will report the sighting of the moon to the committee so as to determine the beginning of the fasting month, the report said Monday.

The committee will convene Thursday, 29th of Shaban 1430 (Aug 20) after sunset prayer at the ADJD.