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Time of India
6 days ago
- General
- Time of India
Moon sighting for Eid-ul-adha 2025: When to watch in India, UAE, and Saudi Arabia
As Muslims around the world prepare for one of the most significant festivals in Islam, Eid-ul-Adha, the sighting of the crescent moon of Dhul Hijjah becomes a central focus. Known as the 'Festival of Sacrifice' or Bakri-Eid, Eid-ul-Adha commemorates Prophet Ibrahim's willingness to sacrifice his son in obedience to God's command and is observed on the 10th day of Dhul Hijjah, the final month of the Islamic lunar calendar. This year, moon sighting has already occurred in many countries, and this marks the opening of the Dhul Hijjah month and determines the Eid celebration dates. The Eid day is, however, dependent on the visibility of the moon in each country. Saudi Arabia confirms Eid date As per a report by Al Arabiya English and Gulf News, the moon was visible in Saudi Arabia on the night of Tuesday, May 27, 2025. Consequently, Dhul Hijjah started on Wednesday, May 28. Hence, the Day of Arafah (9th Dhul Hijjah) will be marked on Thursday, June 5, and Eid-ul-Adha will be commemorated on Friday, June 6, 2025, in the Kingdom. Saudi Arabia bases its lunar calendar on actual moon sightings, and the decrees it issues tend to affect most other nations in the region. UAE follows Saudi Arabia In the UAE as well, the crescent moon was sighted on the same evening by the moon-sighting committee. According to the Gulf News report, Eid al-Adha will also be on Friday, June 6, 2025, in the UAE. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like One of the Most Successful Investors of All Time, Warren Buffett, Recommends: 5 Books for Turning... Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Click Here Undo In the UAE, public holidays are traditionally followed according to Saudi Arabia, and announcements come out promptly after moon sightings. Eid date in India depends on local moon sighting In India, moon sighting is conventionally done locally. Usually, Indian Muslims sight the Dhul Hijjah crescent a day later than Saudi Arabia because of geographical variations. And so, an attempt at moon sighting will be made on the night of Wednesday, May 28, 2025. If spotted, Dhul Hijjah will start on May 29, and Eid-ul-Adha will be celebrated on Saturday, June 7, 2025. But if the crescent is not visible, the month of Dhul Qadah will have 30 days, and Eid will be celebrated on Sunday, June 8, instead, as per reports. Moon sighting is a fundamental aspect of the Islamic calendar. The visibility of the crescent moon announces the start and end of Islamic months. This ancient practice has religious importance and is a community event in most Muslim countries. Due to geographical positions and time zones, the dates of Islamic celebrations such as Eid would be different from one country to another. With the moon sighting confirmed in Saudi Arabia and the UAE, the preparations for Eid-ul-Adha are at full throttle. The people start buying sacrificial animals, making traditional food, and arranging community prayers. In India, the news will be officially announced after a local sighting on May 28; hence, Muslims all over the subcontinent are requested to keep themselves informed with announcements made by their respective regional moon sighting committees. One step to a healthier you—join Times Health+ Yoga and feel the change
Gulf Insider
07-05-2025
- Business
- Gulf Insider
Riyadh Air ‘In The Home Straight' As Boeing Ramps Up 787 Dreamliner Production
Despite ongoing global delays in aircraft manufacturing, Riyadh Air CEO Tony Douglas expressed strong confidence in the airline's readiness for its first commercial flights by the end of 2025. Speaking on Al Arabiya English's business program The Riyal Deal, Douglas acknowledged the industry's production challenges but emphasized that Riyadh Air is making concrete progress. 'It goes without saying, as a startup we are beholden on Boeing to deliver on time — and that's of course easier said than done,' Douglas said. 'Both Boeing and Airbus have had a number of challenges with their supply chain, and there have been revisions last year to their delivery commitments.' However, Douglas was optimistic. 'The reason why we've now revealed the cabin proposition is because our aircraft are now running down the production lines in South Carolina, in Charleston, which is where Boeing assembles the 787 Dreamliner,' he explained. 'The fact that we can go and physically stand inside fuselages, our seat manufacturers are now producing — I can go and sit in those seats — is what gives us confidence we're in the home straight.' Douglas reiterated Riyadh Air's aggressive fleet ambitions, confirming that the airline's order book includes 72 Boeing 787 Dreamliners and 60 Airbus A320 Neos, with a third widebody aircraft set to be announced this summer. 'That's a total of 132 aircraft,' he noted. 'We'll be a three-horse stable, so to speak—320s, Dreamliners, and an extra widebody aircraft yet to be revealed.' The CEO added that Riyadh Air's cabin interiors and service proposition are being built to rival the best in the industry, with innovations such as Business Elite suites inspired by Bedouin tents, 32-inch 4K OLED screens, and Euphony audio systems embedded in the headrests. With aircraft now in production and ticket sales set to launch this summer, Douglas said the airline is on track to begin flying by the end of 2025. 'We're likely to operate from capital cities, let's say in northwestern Europe, into Riyadh—and then a turnaround on a shorter sector,' he said, noting demand for regional connections to cities such as Jeddah and Dubai. 'We've been nearly three years in the making up to now, and by the end of this year, we want to be up in the skies,' he said.
Al Bawaba
05-05-2025
- Politics
- Al Bawaba
Israel strikes Hodeida port after Houthi missile hits Ben Gurion airport
ALBAWABA- Israel launched a series of massive airstrikes on Yemen's strategic Red Sea port city of Hodeida on Monday, in response to a missile attack by the Houthis that struck near Ben Gurion Airport in central Israel a day earlier. According to the Israeli army, the strikes targeted the Hodeida port, a concrete factory east of the city, and cargo unloading docks—critical infrastructure serving more than 25 million Yemenis in Houthi-controlled areas. An Israeli official confirmed to AFP that Israeli warplanes carried out the strikes. A U.S. defense official told Al Arabiya English that the United States did not participate in these operations. However, it reportedly carried out separate air raids on Yemen's capital, Sana'a, just hours earlier. Houthi sources said 16 people were wounded in those U.S. strikes. The escalation follows a dramatic development on Sunday, when the Houthis claimed responsibility for firing a 'hypersonic ballistic missile' that landed within the perimeter of Israel's Ben Gurion International Airport. The impact left a large crater near a parking lot, injured six people, and disrupted flight operations. The Houthis warned they would continue targeting Israeli airports to impose a comprehensive air blockade on the country. Houthi-run media also reported additional U.S. airstrikes in Sanaa and seven more in the northern governorate of al-Jawf. Despite mounting international concerns, the Houthis have intensified their attacks against Israel and Red Sea shipping since the start of the Gaza war, framing their campaign as an act of solidarity with the Palestinian people. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned the missile attack and pledged a firm response against both the Houthis and their primary backer, Iran. In turn, Tehran denied any involvement, stating the attack was an 'independent decision' by the Yemeni group.
Al Arabiya
03-05-2025
- Sport
- Al Arabiya
Everything you need to know about Canelo Álvarez vs. William Scull in Riyadh
The eyes of the boxing world will return to Riyadh again on Saturday as Saudi Arabia's capital city hosts another historic night for the sport, with Mexican superstar Saúl 'Canelo' Álvarez making his first appearance outside of the Americas. Canelo will face Cuban-born IBF champion William Scull in a blockbuster title unification bout at the ANB Arena; with all four major super middleweight titles on the line, the bout will crown an undisputed champion in the 168-pound division. For Canelo, this is an opportunity to reclaim supremacy after vacating the IBF belt last year. For Scull, it is a career-defining moment - a chance to defeat one of boxing's all-time greats and stake his claim as a global star. Here, Al Arabiya English brings you everything you need to know about Alvarez vs Scull in Riyadh. Why is the fight important? This is not just another Canelo title defense - it's a unification fight that could reshape the super middleweight division. Canelo, already the holder of the WBA, WBC and WBO titles, is seeking to regain the IBF belt and become undisputed champion for the second time in his career. At 34, the Guadalajara-born fighter remains one of the sport's most marketable and accomplished names, having won titles in four divisions and beaten the likes of Gennady Golovkin, Sergey Kovalev and Miguel Cotto. Victory on Saturday could open the door to a mega-fight with Terence Crawford later this year - a $150 million showdown that is being talked about in the same breath as Mayweather vs Pacquiao in terms of generational significance. But first, Canelo must get past a hungry and unbeaten challenger in Scull. For Scull, this is a leap into the limelight. The Cuban-born fighter may lack name recognition outside boxing circles, but he brings a perfect 23-0 record. With speed, durability and sharp technical skill honed in the German system, Scull believes he has what it takes to shock the world. Who are the fighters? At 34 years old, Saúl 'Canelo' Álvarez has been one of boxing's biggest stars over the past decade. Having turned pro at just 15, Canelo boasts a remarkable 66-fight career, with a record of 62-2-2 (39 KOs). His only defeats came against Floyd Mayweather Jr. in 2013 and Dmitry Bivol at light heavyweight in 2022. Known for his sharp counter-punching, slick head movement and body work, he remains a dominant force even after 60+ pro bouts. This will be Canelo's first fight in Saudi Arabia and the latest chapter in an already legendary career. Scull is thus far unbeaten in his career, with nine of his 23 wins coming by knockout. He has made a name for himself with solid fundamentals and a composed fighting style and after winning the IBF title by defeating Vladimir Shishkin, now finds himself on boxing's biggest stage. While he may not yet be a household name, he is taller than Canelo, with a longer reach and a high-volume approach that could trouble the Mexican over 12 rounds. When and where is it happening? Hosted at the ANB Arena in Riyadh, the Alvarez vs Scull fight night takes place on Saturday, May 3, with the ring walks for the main event expected around 3am local time. The bout is part of Riyadh Season, an initiative that has brought some of the biggest names in sport to the Kingdom, including Tyson Fury, Oleksandr Usyk - and now Canelo Álvarez. What have the fighters said? 'He says he's going to eat me but the only thing he's going to eat is this,' Canelo said with a raised fist at a media appearance at BLVD City on Thursday. 'I hope he goes for it but I don't think he will. Everybody talks, but when they step in the ring they feel something different. He's going to feel something different for sure. This is nothing new for me, but for him he will feel something different.' Canelo added that the prospect of becoming a two-time unified super middleweight champion of the world is a significant motivation for him, saying: 'That really means a lot because it is a piece of history for my career and that's what I want. That sort of thing motivates me, so that's why it means a lot. It has always been one of my dreams to fight in another country and now I'm here. I'm ready for Saturday.' Scull, meanwhile, insisted that he has a clear gameplan to take down Canelo and record the most famous victory of his career. The Cuban said: 'We will have to take it round by round. I've had great preparation and I'm a boxer who can manage all distances in the ring. We will have to see how that plan develops but we won't go crazy in the fight. We won't reveal the fight plan now and put food on the table for our opponents. I've always faced different cultures and faced people who have underestimated me. I don't really care what people say, all I know is I'm going into the fight to show that, yes, you can.' Who else is fighting on the card? As with many Riyadh-hosted boxing events, the undercard is stacked with international names and rising stars. Martin Bakole vs Efe Ajagba (Heavyweight) sees two heavyweight power-punchers collide in a potential show-stealer. Bakole (21-2), the Congolese fighter who famously beat Tony Yoka, faces Nigerian giant Ajagba (20-1). Both are known for knockout power, and this fight could have world title implications depending on the outcome. Jaime Munguia vs Bruno Surace (Super Middleweight) is a rematch between former WBO light middleweight world champion Munguia (44-2) and Surace (26-0-2). Munguia, still only 28, has lost two of his past three fights - going down to Canelo last May before suffering a shock defeat at the hands of Surace in December. That was the biggest win of Surace's undefeated career in his first fight outside France, with Munguia now looking to avenge that KO. Badou Jack vs Norair Mikaeljan (Cruiserweight) offers Saudi fans the chance to see veteran Swedish-Gambian fighter Badou Jack, now 41, making his third appearance in the Kingdom. Jack (28-3-3) beat Richard Rivera in Jeddah and then Ilunga Makabu in Diriyah in his last fight, which was more than two years ago. Jack has been tempted back into the ring to face Armenian Mikaeljan (27-0), a slick mover with a solid jab. Jack has hinted at retirement, but a win here could further extend his career. Marco Verde vs Michel Polina (Light Middleweight) is the long-awaited professional debut of Mexican Olympian Verde. The silver medalist from the 2024 Paris Games - whose father also represented Mexico at the 1992 Olympics in Barcelona - is tipped as the next big thing in Mexican boxing. He'll face Ecuador's Michel Polina (4-5-3), a tricky southpaw who will be aiming to upset Verde's big night. Brayan Leon vs Aaron Guerrero (Middleweight) gives American prospect Leon (6-0) the chance to extend his undefeated record against California's Guerrero (11-3-1). Both fighters are seen as solid domestic talents looking for a breakthrough moment on a global stage.
Al Arabiya
30-04-2025
- Climate
- Al Arabiya
UAE using AI, space tech to revolutionize, ramp-up cloud seeding operations
The UAE is revolutionizing its cloud seeding program from experimental technology into a data-driven operation using AI and space tech that forms a critical component of the nation's water security strategy, according to experts at the country's leading space technology company. In a region receiving less than 100 millimeters of rainfall annually and facing growing water scarcity concerns, the UAE is leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) and Earth Observation (EO) technologies to maximize the effectiveness of its weather modification efforts. 'AI and satellite imagery have turned the UAE's cloud seeding efforts from guesswork into a precise, data-driven tool for weather modification,' Dr. Prashanth Marpu, Chief Technology Officer at Bayanat Smart Solutions, which operates under Space42, the UAE's national space technology company, told Al Arabiya English. The advancements come one year after unprecedented rainfall caused significant flooding across parts of the UAE, highlighting both the potential and risks associated with weather modification technologies. The UAE has conducted cloud seeding operations for more than two decades – with as many as 300 cloud-seeding missions carried out across the country in 2024, according to the UAE Research Program for Rain Enhancement Science – National Center of Meteorology (UAEREP-NCM) – but recent technological developments have elevated these efforts to new levels of sophistication and effectiveness. 'What was once a nascent practice is now guided by predictive analytics, real-time modelling, and advanced environmental monitoring,' Marpu said. Space42 integrates synthetic aperture radar (SAR) satellites and high-resolution optical sensors to provide continuous monitoring of atmospheric and ground conditions. GIQ, the company's AI-powered platform, processes these inputs, which forecasts cloud behavior, wind dynamics, and terrain saturation. The system operates in three phases, explained Marpu. 'First, our Foresight SAR Constellation provides high-resolution, all-weather imaging, complemented by ongoing High Altitude Platform Stations monitoring. Second, GIQ aggregates and analyzes these data streams. Third, the platform generates actionable insights that guide authorities in deploying targeted weather modification efforts.' The UAE's intensified focus on water security comes amid rising water usage across the arid country. In 2022, the total quantity of water consumption in UAE was approximately 1.75 billion cubic meters – rising from 1.37 billion cubic meters in 2010, according to research company Statista. The UAE's Water Security Strategy 2036 has set targets for reducing water demand by 21 percent and increasing the reuse of treated water to 95 percent. 'In the UAE, where per capita water consumption ranks among the highest globally and over 80 percent of freshwater comes from desalination, water security has become a national priority,' said Marpu. 'The UAE Water Security Strategy 2036 sets out clear goals to reduce overall demand, diversify sustainable water supplies, and enhance emergency preparedness.' As part of this goal, cloud seeding has evolved from an experimental approach to what Marpu described as an operational capability driven by data, precision, and measurable impact. Learning from 2024 floods Last April's extreme rainfall event – the highest-ever recorded rainfall in more than 75 years – which caused widespread disruption across the UAE, served as both a challenge and an opportunity for the country's weather monitoring and forecasting capabilities. Space42's systems were put to the test during the 2024 floods. 'Digital Twin simulations predicted high-risk zones ahead of the storm, giving authorities time to prepare,' Marpu said. 'As the storm unfolded, SAR satellites provided real-time imagery through dense cloud cover, while GIQ processed the data instantly.' This real-time intelligence enabled emergency teams to deploy resources rapidly, prioritize evacuations, and plan supply routes once the storm passed, according to Space42. The company claims similar technology has been applied to sandstorm forecasting. 'During the Touz sandstorm in April 2025, Space42's customized dust monitoring model tracked dust emission, transport, and deposition, delivering early alerts that allowed governments to issue public health warnings and mitigate the storm's peak impact,' Marpu explained. These applications demonstrate how the same technologies being deployed for cloud seeding can be repurposed for broader climate risk management. AI-led cloud seeding missions A key advantage of AI-driven cloud seeding is the technology's ability to learn from each mission, creating a continuously improving system. 'With every seeding mission, we collect new data that strengthens future predictions and seeding plans,' said Dr. Marpu. 'Over time, this builds a smarter, more cost-effective program that can support national goals for water security and climate resilience.' This feedback loop is transforming cloud seeding from a static intervention into what Space42 describes as a 'continuously responsive system.' The current approach uses a combination of satellite data, weather forecasting, and AI to identify optimal cloud seeding windows, ensuring efforts are targeted and effective while reducing waste. 'Our AI platform, GIQ, integrates real-time satellite imagery, weather data, and ground-level information to forecast environmental conditions,' Marpu said. 'It helps identify the optimal cloud seeding windows, ensuring efforts are targeted and effective, reducing waste and improving results.' AI is expected to take on an even more prominent role in weather modification operations. 'AI is set to make weather modification smarter, faster, and more adaptive. What is emerging today will become standard practice within the next decade,' Marpu predicted. 'In the near term, AI will coordinate end-to-end cloud seeding missions, detect optimal atmospheric conditions, chart flight paths, and direct unmanned aerial vehicle-based payload releases with minimal human input.' This automation is expected to reduce response times, increase precision, and improve overall mission efficiency. The long-term vision is even more ambitious. 'Looking further ahead, AI systems will become self-learning. Drawing on live atmospheric data, seasonal climate trends, and mission histories, these models will adjust deployment strategies in real-time, modifying seeding efforts mid-flight based on evolving conditions,' said Marpu. This evolution would represent a significant advancement in weather modification technology, potentially making such operations more economically viable and environmentally responsible. Beyond cloud seeding The technologies being deployed for cloud seeding have applications that extend far beyond weather modification, according to Space42. 'Advanced Earth Observation and AI technologies open new frontiers in climate risk management,' Marpu said. 'Our combination of SAR satellite imagery, HAPS monitoring, and AI-powered analytics supports a range of climate-related applications. Beyond optimizing cloud seeding, these systems help forecast floods, monitor drought conditions, and model long-term environmental changes such as sea-level rise.' Space42 is also expanding into marine conservation through partnerships with government entities and other organizations. 'One example is our partnership with the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi, OceanX, and M42 to support marine biodiversity and fisheries conservation,' said Marpu. 'By deploying Digital Twins and GIQ, we help map ocean ecosystems, monitor environmental conditions, and provide a clearer picture of marine life, supporting informed conservation strategies and sustainable marine resource planning.' While the technologies supporting cloud seeding operations have advanced significantly, measuring the precise impact of these interventions remains challenging. Research from the National Center of Meteorology has suggested that cloud seeding can increase rainfall by 15–30 percent in a clean atmosphere, and by up to 14 percent in a dusty atmosphere. However, isolating the effects of cloud seeding from natural rainfall variability requires sophisticated modeling and long-term data collection. Space42's systems aim to address this challenge by providing more comprehensive monitoring before, during, and after cloud seeding operations. 'Our system models real-time environmental conditions, pinpoints the most effective cloud seeding windows, and tracks water distribution outcomes, ensuring each intervention contributes meaningfully to national water security,' Marpu said.
