Latest news with #UAEMoonSightingCommittee
Time Out Dubai
27-05-2025
- General
- Time Out Dubai
UAE calls for moon sighting ahead of Eid Al Adha on Tuesday May 27
The United Arab Emirates has called for moon sightings ahead of the start of Eid Al Adha. The UAE Council for Fatwa called on the population of Dubai and the other emirates to watch out for the crescent moon of Dhu Al Hijjah on the evening of Tuesday May 27. Moon sightings signify the start of Eid Al Adha and, once it has been spotted by the moon sighting committee, the 12th and final month of the Hijri calendar can officially begin. The UAE Council for Fatwa is responsible for the UAE Moon Sighting Committee, which helps determine when public holidays tied to the lunar calendar begin. The Moon Sighting Committee has confirmed that it will meet on the evening of Tuesday May 27 to determine the start date of Dhu Al Hijjah. During the meeting at Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi, the committee will review scientific data, precise reports from relevant agencies and institutions regarding astronomical calculations for the birth of the crescent, the occurrence of conjunction, and the feasibility of sighting the moon. This includes analysing the results from various national observatories equipped with the latest advanced technologies and smart instruments after sunset on Tuesday. A statement from the UAE Council for Fatwa has encouraged the public to sight the crescent too on Tuesday evening. The statement said: 'The UAE Council for Fatwa has urged specialists, experts, traditional moon-sighters, and members of the public — both citizens and residents — to observe the crescent of the month of Dhu Al Hijjah 1446 AH after sunset on Tuesday, 29 Dhu Al Qadah, corresponding to May 27 2025.' Eid Al Adha 2025: What happens if the Dhu Al Hijjah crescent is seen If the crescent is spotted in the evening, it will then lead to the start of the next Hijri month the following day. The Islamic calendar is based on the cycles of the moon, unlike the Gregorian calendar, which is based on the sun. You might also like: The best places to spot the moon crescent in Dubai The latest predictions indicated that the current Hijri month, Dhu Al Qadah, will be a 29-day month in the UAE and that Dhu Al Hijjah will begin on Wednesday May 28. As a result, Arafat Day will begin the UAE public holiday on Thursday June 5 before Eid Al Adha begins on Friday June 6. The holiday would then continue onto Saturday June 7 and Sunday June 8. This would give us a four-day long weekend. But if Dhu Al Qadah is a 30-day month, then that would mean the public holiday dates move by one day on the calendar. Arafat Day would instead begin on Friday June 5 before Eid Al Adha gets underway on Saturday June 6. The holiday would then continue onto Sunday June 8 and Monday June 9, which would also give us a four-day long weekend. Each month in the Islamic calendar is either 29 or 30 days and can change every year. If a month is 30 days long, it's because the crescent moon has not been sighted on the 28th day of the month. Reasons the crescent couldn't be sighted include moon sighting not being possible due to heavy cloud formations obscuring the view. The call to spot the Dhu Al Hijjah crescent comes after Saudi Arabia issued a similar call to residents. Looking for things to do in Dubai? New Dubai restaurants you need to try in 2025 New year, new restaurants to check out 50 free things to do in Dubai Feeling the pinch? Enter free things to do Here's how to eat at 10 expensive Dubai restaurants for less Early bird dinners, lunch specials and more
Emirates Woman
28-02-2025
- General
- Emirates Woman
Confirmed: Ramadan 2025 in the UAE to begin on Saturday March 1
News by Alice Holtham-Pargin 10 seconds ago Ramadan Kareem… The Holy Month of Ramadan is set to begin in the UAE on Saturday March 1, 2025 after the UAE Moon Sighting Committee spotted the crescent moon on Friday February 28. This announcement by the UAE's Moon-sighting Committee signifies the end of Sha'ban and the start of Ramadan, marking the start of a month of fasting, reflection, and spiritual rejuvenation for Muslims around the world. The month of Ramadan lasts for either 29 or 30 days, again dependent on the sighting of the moon, and is then followed by the next UAE public holiday, set to be a four- or five-day weekend. If you're new to the UAE or just need a refresher, the month of Ramadan sees several changes across the city. While many activities remain open for those who are not fasting, it's important to be mindful of those that are. Here's everything you need to know about Ramadan 2025 in the UAE. Working hours Public sector employees will work from 9am until 2.30pm from Monday to Thursday and 9am until 12pm during Ramadan in the UAE. Government workers will also be entitled to flexible and remote working during Ramadan, with employees permitted to work two days per week remotely. For the private sector, Ramadan hours means a reduction of two working hours per day. What to expect during Ramadan Beyond fasting, Ramadan holds deep spiritual significance. It commemorates the revelation of the Quran to Prophet Mohammed (PBUH). During this month, Muslims engage in increased prayer, including special nightly prayers called Tarawih, during which portions of the Quran are recited. Fasting during Ramadan is one of the five pillars of Islam, the fundamental principles that guide Muslim life. These pillars form the framework of Islamic practice, and Ramadan is considered the holiest month in the Islamic calendar. It's a time for introspection, spiritual reflection, and increased devotion to Allah through prayer and good deeds, seeking forgiveness and spiritual cleansing. Iftar and suhoor During the day, fasting takes place from sunrise to sunset. After sunset, Muslims break their fast with iftar. Even if you're not fasting, getting together for Iftar is a lovely opportunity to connect with friends and family. Restaurants around the UAE put together special iftar celebrations, ranging from elaborate buffets of Middle Eastern cuisine to fine dining set menus. Here, see our guide of the best Iftars in Dubai and Abu Dhabi for 2025. Then, before the sun rises, a second meal of the day takes place during the early hours called suhoor. Lead image: @sarashakeel – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
