Look: Dhul Hijjah Moon spotted in UAE from observatory in Abu Dhabi
The Astronomy Centre posted images of the Moon as photographed from the Al Khatim Astronomical Observatory in the UAE capital at 7.05pm.
The Centre said that the first image was captured at 11am and the moon's angular distance from the sun was 5.5 degrees. The second image was captured at 3.15pm with the moon's angular distance from the sun being 6.5 degrees.
The third image was captured after sunset at 7.05pm and the moon's angular distance from the sun was 7.6 degrees.
The Centre did note that the images were results of a scientific report and clarified that the decision to officially declare the start of the month remains with authorities.
The Al-Khatim Astronomical Observatory consisted of Osama Ghanem, Anas Mohammed and Khalfan Al Naimi.
The UAE's Presidential Court later announced the official sighting of the crescent Moon, marking the beginning of Dhul Hijjah.
Following the crescent sighting, the first day of Dhul Hijjah will begin on Wednesday, May 28, and Eid Al Adha celebrations will start from Friday, July 6.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Khaleej Times
an hour ago
- Khaleej Times
Moving your family to Dubai? 9 best areas for top schools
From luxury living to value-driven communities, Dubai's neighbourhoods cater to every type of expat family. With its elite residency programmes like the Golden Visa, and a world-class lifestyle wrapped in cutting-edge infrastructure, the emirate welcomed over 150,000 new families and individuals in 2024 alone. However, when choosing the right school for your child, it's worth noting that Dubai is home to over 215 private schools, offering more than 17 different curricula — a number that continues to grow alongside the city's population. With options for every stage of life and budget, expat families are spoilt for choice in this ever-evolving city. We spoke to real estate experts and research analysts to break down the most family-friendly neighbourhoods, complete with commute times, school access, rental ranges, and the community vibe — so you can find the perfect fit for your family. Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow KT on WhatsApp Channels. Dubai Hills Estate: central, modern and master-planned Located just off Al Khail Road, Dubai Hills Estate has quickly emerged as a top pick for modern families. Known for its integrated parks, sports zones, Dubai Hills Mall, and proximity to key education and medical facilities, the community offers convenience wrapped in luxury. 'Right next to the estate, people will find GEMS Wellington Academy and the Dubai Hills British School (formerly known as Dubai Hills Grammar School). In close proximity, families can also choose King's School Al Barsha and Nord Anglia International School, both of which are less than 10 minutes away,' said Ama Boatema, Corporate & Relocation Services Manager at Betterhomes. 'The community is centred around the Dubai Hills Park and Mall, with plenty of outdoor spaces, sports facilities, and healthcare options, including a branch of King's College Hospital,' she added. Nearby Schools: GEMS Wellington Academy Al Khail (WEK): British curriculum, rated 'Very Good', annual tuition fee ranges from Dh47,527-Dh93, 959 Brighton College Dubai: UK curriculum, rated 'Very Good', annual tuition fee ranges from Dh70,539-Dh117,933 King's School Al Barsha: UK, GCSE, IGCSE, A Level, BTEC rated 'Outstanding', annual tuition fee ranges from Dh56,66 -Dh102,292 Nord Anglia International School: UK/IB, rated 'Outstanding', annual tuition fee ranges from Dh69,625-Dh105, 288 Commute times: 12–15 mins to Downtown Dubai, 20 mins to Dubai Marina, 25 mins to DIFC, via Al Khail Road Rental range: Dh230,000–Dh600,000/year for 3-bed townhouses; larger villas rent between Dh3million–9million annually Community vibe: Green, premium, family-focused, with excellent walkability 2. Arabian Ranches: Suburban charm with education at the core Spanning Arabian Ranches 1, 2, and 3, this suburban community blends villa living with wide green spaces, playgrounds, equestrian facilities, and top-tier schools. 'Arabian Ranches 1, 2, and 3 are a long-standing favourite for families, especially those prioritising education. JESS (Jumeirah English Speaking School) in Arabian Ranches 1 and Ranches Primary School in Arabian Ranches 2 are both well-respected among the expat community,' said Boatema. 'Nearby, families also have access to Fairgreen International School in Sustainable City and GEMS Metropole in Motor City… Arabian Ranches offers parks, cycling tracks, playgrounds, and medical clinics, making daily life seamless for families.' Nearby Schools: JESS (Jumeirah English Speaking School): UK curriculum, rated 'Outstanding', UK/IB, annual tuition fee ranges from Dh54,131–Dh104,545 Ranches Primary School: UK curriculum, rated 'Very Good', annual tuition fee ranges from Dh50,436 in FS1 to Dh61,643 in Year 6 Fairgreen International School (Sustainable City): IB curriculum, rated 'Good', annual tuition fee ranges from Dh54,600-Dh84,500 GEMS Metropole School (Motor City): UK curriculum, rated 'Good', annual tuition fee ranges from Dh38,393-Dh51,190 Commute times: 25–30 mins to DIFC and Business Bay; 15 mins to Al Maktoum Airport Rental range: Dh165,000–Dh250,000/year for 2-bed villas; 3-beds from Dh220,000–Dh450,000/year Community vibe: Quiet, green, and ideal for those seeking space and structure 3. The Springs & Meadows (Emirates Living): tranquility with urban proximity Tucked near Dubai Marina and Jumeirah Lake Towers (JLT), The Springs and The Meadows are villa communities surrounded by lakes, playgrounds, and tree-lined streets. Ideal for families who value nature without sacrificing city access. 'Parents value the green spaces, lakes, and peaceful atmosphere of this neighbourhood, alongside easy access to supermarkets, clinics, and community centres,' added Boatema. Nearby Schools: Emirates International School Meadows: IB curriculum, rated 'Very Good' annual tuition fee ranges from Dh 28, 990 -85, 976 Dubai International Academy (DIA): Emirates Hills, IB curriculum, rated 'Outstanding', annual tuition fee ranges from Dh 44,979 -Dh 79, 696 Regent International School (The Greens): UK curriculum, rated 'Very Good', annual tuition fee ranges from Dh 49,076 -Dh 69, 730 Commute times: 15 mins to Dubai Marina, 20 mins to Business Bay, 25 mins to DIFC Rental range: Dh160,000–Dh300,000/year for 2-bed villas in The Springs; from Dh320,000/year in The Meadows Community vibe: Leafy, serene, and family-centric with mature infrastructure 4. Jumeirah: Coastal luxury with city proximity For those seeking a beachside lifestyle with premium schools and upscale dining, Jumeirah blends resort living with city convenience. 'From Jumeirah, commuting to Downtown usually takes 15 minutes, while the drive to Dubai Marina is typically 20 to 25 minutes, depending on the route and traffic near the beach roads. Weekends and holiday periods can see heavier traffic... but for many residents, the lifestyle benefits outweigh the occasional delays,' added Boatema. Nearby Schools: Jumeirah College: UK curriculum, rated 'Outstanding', annual tuition fee ranges from Dh78,946 in Year 7 – Dh 98,681 in Year 13 Jumeira Baccalaureate School: IB curriculum, rated 'Very Good', annual tuition fee ranges from Dh 47, 675- Dh 91,840 Horizon International School: UK curriculum, rated 'Very Good' annual tuition fee ranges from Dh 38,832 – Dh 73,124 Commute times: 15 mins to Downtown, 25 mins to Marina, 20 mins to DIFC Rental range: Dh250,000–Dh5million/year depending on beach proximity and property size Community vibe: Chic, scenic, and upscale with boutique cafes, beaches, and parks 5. Jumeirah Village Circle (JVC): Budget-friendly with big potential For younger families or newcomers to Dubai, JVC offers value and evolving infrastructure. While not master-planned like Dubai Hills or Ranches, its affordability and improving amenities make it attractive. 'It offers proximity to schools like Nord Anglia and Sunmarke, plus a growing number of clinics, shops, and leisure facilities,' said Rohit Bachani, Co-Founder, Merlin Real Estate. 'JVC offers balanced connectivity in both directions toward Dubai Marina and Downtown… with metro expansion in the pipeline, it's becoming even more practical for busy families,' he added. 'JVC is the most budget-friendly of the lot,' added Sunnyy Kumar Tyagi, CEO, Under One Roof Real Estate. '1-bed apartments start at Dh50,000–Dh60,000/year and townhouses under Dh150,000/year… it's ideal for first-time Dubai residents.' Nearby Schools: Nord Anglia International School: UK/IB, rated 'Outstanding', annual tuition fee ranges from Dh69,625-Dh105,288 Sunmarke School: IB/UK curricula, rated 'Very Good', annual tuition fee ranges from Dh53,040–Dh 90,778 Commute times: 20–25 mins to Marina or Downtown; 30 mins to DIFC Rental range: Dh50,000–Dh60,000/year for 1-bed apartments; Dh130,000–150,000/year for townhouses Community vibe: Evolving, accessible, family-friendly with new retail and parks 6. Sustainable City: Eco-living at its finest Sustainable City is for families who prioritize wellness and eco-conscious living. It's not just a residential development — it's a lifestyle community. It's become a benchmark for green urban planning in the region. The neighbourhood offers facilities from equestrian centers to solar-powered homes. Tyagi added, 'If you prioritise health and the environment, and want your kids to grow up in an eco-friendly space, Sustainable City is an obvious choice. There are car-free zones, organic farms, cycling paths, and Fairgreen International School within the community. It's family-friendly and for the future. So, if you're asking where families prosper, Sustainable City offers wellness.' 7. Nad Al Sheba and Meydan: spacious villas near Downtown Nad Al Sheba and Meydan are at the top end of the spectrum, with spacious villas often renting between Dh250,000 to Dh350,000 annually. These communities are known for their large plot sizes, gated privacy, and access to elite schools and lifestyle venues. They cater to families who want proximity to Downtown without sacrificing space or security. Bachani added, 'Nad Al Sheba and Meydan offer some of the shortest commutes of any villa community in Dubai. You can get to Downtown in around fifteen minutes and reach Sheikh Zayed Road or DIFC in about twenty to twenty-five minutes. For many families, that balance of space and centrality is ideal. It's one of the few areas in Dubai where locals and international families intersect in meaningful ways.' Nearby Schools: Repton School Dubai: IB/UK curriculum, rated 'Outstanding', annual tuition fees from Dh 57,178–102, 753 North London Collegiate School Dubai (NLCS): IB curriculum, rated 'Very Good', annual tuition fees from Dh91,735-Dh143,681 Commute times: 15 mins to Downtown, 20–25 mins to DIFC or Sheikh Zayed Road Rental range: Dh250,000–Dh350,000/year for villas depending on size and developer Community vibe: Exclusive, spacious, family-focused with top-tier schools like Repton Dubai and North London Collegiate nearby 8. Dubai Silicon Oasis (DSO): value-packed and family-friendly Dubai Silicon Oasis (DSO) is a great example of a neighborhood that started with a business-tech focus but has grown into a vibrant family hub. The area offers great value, especially with a well-developed community that has schools, clinics, and shopping all within easy reach. Bachani said, 'With schools like GEMS Wellington Academy and Vernus International right inside the district, plus parks, supermarkets and clinics all within easy reach, it offers a balanced lifestyle that appeals to many working families.' Nearby Schools: GEMS Wellington Academy DSO: UK/IB curriculum, rated 'Very Good', annual tuition fees from Dh 45,428-89,246 Vernus International Primary School: American curriculum, rated 'Acceptable', annual tuition fees from Dh 34,884–41,445 in Grade 5 Indian International School DSO: Indian curriculum (CBSE), rated 'Good', annual tuition fees from Dh 24,202 -42,067 Commute times: 20–25 mins to Downtown and Business Bay, 30 mins to Marina Rental range: 1-bed apartments from Dh 40,000–50,000/year; villas from Dh 140,000/year and up Community vibe: Affordable, practical, and increasingly family-oriented 9. Al Barsha: Central education hub with urban accessibility Though not always top of mind for family living, Al Barsha stands out for its unmatched access to over 15–20 international schools, offering British, IB, American, and Indian curricula. It borders most major family communities and is well-connected by Sheikh Zayed and Al Khail Roads. 'Dubai Hills Estate, Arabian Ranches, Umm Suqeim, Al Sufouh, Jumeirah, and Nad Al Sheba are all widely known for their access to leading international schools,' said PP Varghese, Head of Professional Services, Cushman & Wakefield Core. 'School zones are often a key factor in residential decision-making — and in many cases, they also support more stable rental demand and long-term value retention. Neighborhoods with built-in education and lifestyle infrastructure tend to hold up well across market cycles.'
Khaleej Times
an hour ago
- Khaleej Times
UAE: How Emirati women once used different burqa'a colours to signify stages of life
The Emirati burqa'a, once a daily sign of modesty and social status, is now a fading tradition cherished by older generations and seen as a cultural symbol by younger ones. For women who do wear it, the face covering is not just an accessory but a piece of memories and identity sewn into its fabric. The term 'burqa' often refers to the full-body garment worn in some Muslim communities, covering the entire body. However, the Emirati burqa'a is distinct. In the UAE and parts of the Gulf, it refers to a decorative, stiffened cloth mask that covers part of the face, typically the nose and eyebrows, and sometimes the mouth, while leaving the eyes uncovered. The accessory is widely used to depict Emirati heritage during exhibitions and national occasions. Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow KT on WhatsApp Channels. Visual artist Karima Al Shomely, who uses the traditional Emirati burqa'a in modern artistic productions as part of her creative work, describes it as a vital part of Emirati heritage rather than a religious symbol. She explains that it signified modesty, social status and protection from the harsh desert climate, and that migration to the UAE from Oman in the 19th century was facilitated through cultural exchange. She notes that regional variations emerged over time: older women chose smaller eye openings to conceal wrinkles or missing teeth; desert tribes dressed girls as young as seven in oversized burqa'as for skin protection; and colours like metallic gold-green and purple reflected age and status. Medium-length Miayani burqa'as often marked newly married women, while the Eastern Mankous, with its inverted 'sword', rested on the tip of the nose. More than an ornament, the burqa'a once enabled women to work outdoors modestly, navigate social rules and mark the transition from girlhood to womanhood. Worn for a lifetime Some elderly Emirati women continue to wear them as they have for decades. Seventy-year-old Zaafarana Ahmed Khamis first wore the veil after her marriage and has kept the practice for more than 46 years. 'In the past, there were clear rules about the burqa'a. Young unmarried girls wore larger ones that covered almost the entire face and chest, while married women could wear slightly smaller ones with wider eye openings.' Teen girls used to wear deep red or dark burqa'as, signalling modesty, while brides transitioned to a shiny, gold-tinted version that reflected their maturity and marital status. Inside homes, a single nail by the door held the burqa'a. As Khamis recalled: 'If someone knocked, we would immediately put on the burqa'a before opening the door.' The burqa'a was never just fabric. It was hand-sewn, held in place by the Al Seif, a strip of local wood across the nose, and tied with the al Shubuq, a red cotton or wool string fastened at the back of the head. Weddings were a milestone in the life cycle of the burqa'a, as brides received smaller, married-women styles in their trousseau. But today, Zaafarana says the meaning has shifted. 'It used to be for coverage and modesty. Now, younger women wear smaller, thinner designs that are more decorative than protective.' From daily wear to ceremonial symbol For 65-year-old Aisha Ali Al-Blooshi, the burqa'a has reappeared in talli-embroidered, indigo-dyed and even gold-plated forms for National Day and weddings. 'These new burqa'as are for occasions or fashion. They are not the same as what we used to wear every day. They are symbolic now, not our daily life,' she said. She predicts that the covering will 'survive only as a ceremonial or fashionable accessory' for future generations. Younger women now prefer the hijab, niqab or ghashwa. Eighty-year-old Maryam Salem remembers when the burqa'a was inseparable from adulthood. She first wore it on her wedding night at 17 because, in her region, unmarried girls were never expected to wear face coverings. She recalls buying indigo dye at the market, hand-sewing her own burqa'a, and later making them for others to sell at Dh3 to Dh5 each. To her, the burqa'a is a piece of her identity. Today, as the covering becomes a piece of heritage rather than a necessity, women like Khamis, Al Blooshi and Salem continue to wear it, honouring a tradition that speaks to the identity and resilience of Emirati women even as it fades from daily life.
Dubai Eye
4 hours ago
- Dubai Eye
UAE resumes aid to Gaza, delivers 500 tonnes of food aid
The 69th airdrop of aid delivering 500 tonnes of food aid was carried out on Tuesday as the UAE continues humanitarian support for Palestinians in Gaza. With support from UAE-based charities, the shipment included quantities of essential food supplies to meet the needs of residents amid the difficult humanitarian conditions in the Strip. In addition, 20 trucks loaded with approximately 500 tonnes of food supplies entered Gaza through land crossings, as part of the UAE's ongoing efforts to secure aid by land and air. UAE carries out 69th airdrop of aid, delivers 500 tonnes of food aid into Gaza #WamNews — WAM English (@WAMNEWS_ENG) August 12, 2025 The total volume of aid airdropped by the UAE has now reached more than 3,924 tonnes of various food and essential supplies. The operation is held under the 'Birds of Goodness' initiative, part of Operation Chivalrous Knight 3, with participation from countries including Jordan, Germany, Italy, Belgium, and France. The initiative reflects the UAE's leading role in international relief work amid the conflict in Gaza.
