Ramadhan likely to begin on March 1 in Oman
Abdulwahab al Busaidy, head of the observatory at Oman Astronomical Society, told the Observer that the first day of Ramadhan, in all likelihood, would fall on Saturday (March 1), because the moon will be on the horizon for around half an hour on the evening of Friday (February 28).
"On Friday evening, the 29th of Shaaban, 1446 or February 28, 2025, the sun will set at 6:09 pm and the moon will set at 6:40 pm. The moon will be on the horizon for around half an hour, give or take, depending on your location. The moon will be above the horizon around seven degrees, with an illumination of 0.5 per cent. Therefore, regardless of your location, we will be able to see the moon on Friday, February 28," Al Busaidy said.
He said that almost all countries around the world will begin fasting for Ramadhan on March 1, 2025. "The first day of Ramadhan is expected to start on Saturday, March 1 for almost all countries," he said.
Regarding Eid al Fitr, on Sunday, Al Busaidy said the 29th of Ramadhan, which is equivalent to March 29, the sun will set at 6:21 pm and the moon will set at 6:26 pm.
"The moon will be on the horizon for only five minutes, depending on your location. It will be above the horizon only two degrees, with an illumination of 0.04 per cent," he said.
"So, in countries like Oman, where we rely on moon sighting, it will be nearly impossible to see the moon on March 29. Therefore, we will complete 30 days of Ramadhan and the first day of Eid will be on Monday, March 31," he added.
For countries that rely solely on the birth of a new moon, Al Busaidy said they will fast only 29 days and their first day of Eid al Fitr will be on March 30.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Observer
05-08-2025
- Observer
Audience satisfaction with radio programmes at 76 per cent, TV at 73 per cent: NCSI survey
MUSCAT: Public satisfaction with the programme content reached 76 per cent for radio channels and 73 per cent for TV channels, according to a public opinion survey conducted by the National Centre for Statistics and Information (NCSI) in collaboration with the Ministry of Information. Satisfaction with TV content covering national occasions, religious events and weather conditions reached approximately 88 per cent, while content related to raising awareness, government and tourism projects, social issues, and children's programmes scored around 69 per cent. Omani viewers primarily engaged with Oman TV's religious and cultural programmes such as 'Matoun', 'Dhifaf' and 'Al Fahras' as well as talk shows like 'Al Bayt' (The House) and 'Kunna Huna' (We Were Here), and Ramadhan drama series such as 'Al Waqeed' and 'Al Madyoonir'. For radio content, satisfaction levels stood at 88 per cent for coverage of national occasions, religious events and weather conditions, and around 74 per cent for government and tourism projects, social issues, and children's programmes. Omanis showed the highest interest in religious programmes, Ramadhan talk shows like 'Layali Ramadhan' (Ramadhan Nights), and radio drama series such as 'Sawalif Al Jadd Hameed', 'Qala'ed Al Yasmin', 'Dalshad' and 'Rihla Shaqqa'. At the governorate level, Al Sharqiyah South Governorate recorded the highest satisfaction with radio content at 84 per cent. Satisfaction was equal between genders at 74 per cent, while the age group 30-49 registered 78 per cent. For TV content, Al Sharqiyah South and Al Dakhiliyah governorates recorded the highest satisfaction at 76 per cent, with equal satisfaction between genders at 74 per cent. The survey aimed to strengthen communication between the Ministry of Information and the public by involving citizens in media evaluation, contributing to content development, and measuring satisfaction with the quality and diversity of programmes on Oman Radio and TV. — ONA
Observer
22-07-2025
- Observer
Al Alya Mosque: A landmark embodies depth of Islamic heritage
A'RUSTAQ: Al Alya Mosque in the Wilayat of Al Rustaq, Al Batinah South Governorate, stands as one of the most prominent religious and historical landmarks in the Sultanate of Oman. It carries profound spiritual, intellectual and architectural significance, reflecting the depth of Islamic heritage that has characterised the region for centuries. The mosque dates back to the era of Imam Nasser bin Murshid al Yaarubi in the 17th century. Located in the heart of Al Alya Village, approximately 800 metres from Al Rustaq Fort, the mosque occupies a central position, serving residents for prayers and social gatherings. Built on elevated ground about six metres above the falaj (traditional irrigation channel), it is surrounded by diverse orchards — some of which are endowed as waqf (religious endowment), such as the Al Furudh orchard to the south and the Al Jahal orchard to the east, highlighting the mosque's economic and social importance in the community. Eng Ahmed bin Saif al Mazrouei, one of the caretakers of the mosque's endowment, explained that the mosque holds significant endowed assets, including 47 water shares in Falaj Al Maysar, valued at approximately RO 94,000, as well as orchards containing over 553 palm trees and agricultural plots, with an estimated total value of RO 166,000. In a statement, Al Mazrouei added that the mosque was historically used to distribute zakat (alms) and food supplies to eligible villagers during religious occasions such as Eid Al Fitr and Eid Al Adha. It also served as a venue for weddings and funerals until recently, when these events were moved to Sablat Al Alya. The mosque dates back to the era of Imam Nasser bin Murshid al Yaarubi in the 17th century. — ONA The mosque was a gathering place for community leaders, locally called 'Ahl Al Hall wal Aqd,' to discuss village affairs and host visits by imams and governors. It was also a site for reconciliation meetings and judicial proceedings. A designated area within the mosque provided drinking water through traditional clay vessels (jihal), filled with water from Falaj Al Maysar and hung in their designated spots. Eng Al Mazrouei emphasised that the mosque was not merely a place of worship but also a distinguished centre of learning and social life. Several scholars and shaikhs studied there, underscoring its historical role as a leading educational and communal institution in Al Rustaq. The mosque measures 21 metres in length and 12 metres in width, featuring 10 columns that divide the prayer hall into six longitudinal and three transverse sections. A central courtyard (4 x 3.5 metres) was historically used for ablution and heating. A well beneath the mosque, likely connected to the falaj channel, may have served ablution purposes. The mihrab (prayer niche) is two metres wide and four metres high, adorned with simple yet elegant inscriptions bearing the Shahada (Islamic testimony of faith) on multiple levels. Recent restoration work expanded the mihrab, enhancing its aesthetic appeal. Originally, the mosque had three entrances — two on the eastern side and one on the northern side. However, after being designated for Friday prayers, a new southern entrance was added for the imam and people with disabilities, while the northern door was closed. — ONA
Observer
20-07-2025
- Observer
Students urged to review choices ahead of final admission phase
MUSCAT: As the Higher Education Admission Centre (HEAC) prepares to launch the Programme Reordering Phase on Tuesday, July 22, students are being strongly encouraged to revise and prioritise their programme choices to improve their chances in the upcoming First Allocation Phase. In an exclusive interview with Observer, Nada bint Mohammed Al Kiyoumiyah, Director of Undergraduate Admissions at the Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Innovation, emphasised the importance of this final stage before allocation results are released. 'This is a decisive phase where students can re-evaluate the order of their selected programmes,' Al Kiyoumi explained. 'The system allocates study opportunities based on the final order submitted and on merit-based selection criteria.' She noted that many students made avoidable mistakes during the Trial Allocation, such as limiting their programme list or focusing too narrowly on popular majors. Students urged to review choices ahead of final admission phase 'Some high-performing students submitted only a few programme options, despite the system allowing an unlimited number,' she said. 'Others - particularly female applicants - tended to prioritise high-demand fields like education, leading to increased competition.' Health-related programmes also continue to be among the most sought-after due to their perceived job market value. However, Al Kiyoumi warned that even students with high scores could miss out if they limit their options. To guide applicants, HEAC has launched a comprehensive awareness campaign through social media, radio, TV and direct communication, helping students understand how to optimise their choices. Regarding fluctuating admission cut-offs, Al Kiyoumi explained that these vary each year based on General Education Diploma results and applicant preferences. The competitive score is calculated using a formula that weighs 60 per cent of relevant subject marks and 40 per cent of the general average. Nada bint Mohammed Al Kiyoumiyah 'Naturally, when competing students have higher scores, the admission thresholds rise,' she said. On transparency, she reaffirmed the system's integrity since its inception in 2006, highlighting that all applicants are assessed through the same formula, and that programme cut-off scores are publicly available for comparison. For students wishing to contest their results, a well-defined appeals process is in place. Al Kiyoumi confirmed that a neutral committee, independent of the ministry, reviews all appeals to ensure fairness. This year, for the first time, appeals can be submitted via the government's unified services portal ( as part of a broader national effort to streamline digital services. Looking ahead, she shared plans to incorporate artificial intelligence and data analytics into the admissions platform, aiming to enhance user experience for students, guardians and system administrators alike. 'We are committed to continuously improving the system's fairness, accessibility and responsiveness,' she said. Al Kiyoumi concluded by urging students to make thoughtful, realistic choices and to learn from the trial results: 'This is your chance to secure a place that aligns with your strengths and aspirations. Take it seriously, review your options carefully and diversify your selections.'
