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Khaleej Times
09-06-2025
- General
- Khaleej Times
UAE: Likely dates for Hijri New Year, next Ramadan, Eid Al Fitr, Eid Al Adha revealed
As residents come back from the Eid Al Adha long weekend, many are already looking forward to upcoming holidays in 2026, while reminiscing the long weekends that flew by this year. Faithful across the country, like always, await the dates of major religious events that are set to take place during the next year. The UAE's Astronomy Centre on Monday revealed likely dates for major Islamic events in 2026, corresponding to 1447 AH in the Islamic calendar. Months in the Hijri calendar last 29 to 30 days and are determined on the basis of the Moon sighting. The UAE's Moon sighting committee gathers to sight the Moon at the end of every month, and urges residents to do the same on important occasions. Important to note is that the newly released dates are based on astronomical calculations. These may differ from official holiday dates and should merely be considered as the most likely dates, the authority stated. From Muharram (that is, the first month of the Hijri calendar) to Eid Al Adha in 2026, here are the important ones to know: Muharram The Moon sighting for the month of Muharram is likely to take place on Wednesday, June 25, 2025, which corresponds to Dhul Hijjah 29, 1446 AH. This would mean that the start of the new Islamic year will likely commence on Thursday, June 26, 2025. As per the official UAE holidays calendar, residents can expect a public holiday on the occasion. Ramadan Residents of the UAE are in for a treat with Ramadan set to fall in the cooler month of February next year. The holy month, which is observed by Muslims across the globe, shifts 10 to 12 days behind every year. This year, Ramadan was on Saturday, March 1. The month of Ramadan, which lasts 29 or 30 days, is observed with the act of fasting from dawn to dusk, and highlights the qualities of abstinence and charity. For 2026, the crescent is likely to be sighted on Tuesday, February 17, 2026. This would mean that the holy month would begin on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, in some parts of the world. Since the moon sighting differs in eastern and western regions of the world, countries located in the eastern region will sight the moon on Wednesday, February 18, and start fasting from Thursday, February 19, 2026. Eid Al Fitr The occasion of Eid Al Fitr is marked at the end of Ramadan, where faithful come together to celebrate the end of the fasting and charitable month. The Moon sighting to commence the month of Shawwal depends on whether Ramadan lasts 29 or 30 days. It is expected to be on Thursday, March 19, 2026. This means that Eid Al Fitr could fall on Friday, March 20, 2026. This date will also differ depending on which part of the world you are in, with eastern regions usually sighting the moon a day later. Eid Al Adha The festival of Eid Al Adha, celebrated on the 10th day of Dhul Hijjah — the last month of Hijri calendar — falls a day after the Day of Arafah (Dhul Hijjah 9), which is considered to be the most holy day in Islam. On Eid Al Adha, faithful come together to remember the sacrifice of Prophet Ibrahim and slaughter cattle and distribute it among the needy. The nine days leading up to the festival are also spent in remembrance of God and spirituality. On the ninth day, Muslims across the globe fast, except for those performing Hajj (the holy pilgrimage). This journey is usually observed between the 8th and 12th or 13th of Dhul Hijjah. In 2026, the crescent marking the start of Dhul Hijjah is expected to be spotted on Saturday, May 16, which means the first day of Dhul Hijjah will begin on Sunday, May 17. This will similarly differ in the eastern region, where the Moon will be spotted a day later on Sunday, May 17, and Dhul Hijjah will begin on Monday, May 18, 2026. This would mean that Eid Al Adha may fall on Tuesday, May 26, in the UAE and western parts of the world, while other parts of the globe will mark it on Wednesday, May 27.
Emirates Woman
27-05-2025
- General
- Emirates Woman
Eid Al Adha 2025: UAE prepares for moon sighting, here's all you need to know
The UAE's Moon Sighting Committee will convene on Tuesday evening to observe the crescent moon of Dhu Al Hijja, marking the final countdown to Eid Al Adha 2025, which is expected to begin on Friday, June 6. Saudi Arabia's Supreme Court has called for Muslims to look for the crescent moon on Tuesday, increasing the likelihood of Eid Al Adha falling on June 6. If sighted, the Islamic month of Dhu Al Hijja will begin on Wednesday, May 28, with Eid celebrations starting on Friday, June 6, and lasting until Sunday, June 8. A Four-Day Weekend Expected According to the UAE Cabinet's official holiday schedule, residents can anticipate a four-day break, with Arafat Day observed on Thursday, June 5, followed by Eid Al Adha holidays from June 6 to 8. Turn your 4 day Eid holiday into a 16 day vacation this year How Moon Sighting Works in the UAE The UAE follows a meticulous process to confirm the start of Islamic months, combining traditional observation with advanced technology. The Moon Sighting Committee will meet after Maghrib prayers on Tuesday, using high-powered telescopes and drones to scan the skies. Earlier this year, the UAE deployed over 100 drones to assist in locating the Ramadan crescent, setting a new precedent for accuracy. The International Astronomical Center, supported by the UAE Fatwa Council, oversees the process, incorporating astronomical data, witness testimonies, and Sharia compliance. Residents are encouraged to participate by reporting sightings to the Crescent Sighting Committee via phone (027774647) or an online form. The Significance of Dhu Al Hijja Dhu Al Hijja is the holiest month in Islam, during which millions of pilgrims perform Hajj in Makkah. The pilgrimage begins on the 8th of Dhu Al Hijja, with the Day of Arafah (9th Dhu Al Hijja) being the most sacred. Muslims worldwide observe this day with fasting and charity. What Happens Next? If the moon is sighted on Tuesday, Dhu Al Hijja begins Wednesday, May 28, and Eid Al Adha will be celebrated on Friday, June 6. If not, the month starts a day later, pushing Eid to Saturday, June 7. Eid Al Adha Escape Plan: 7 unusual getaways less than 4 hours from Dubai Either way, UAE residents can expect an extended holiday, blending spiritual observance with well-deserved rest. – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram Images: Pinterest Feature Image: Pinterest
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
Express Tribune
31-03-2025
- General
- Express Tribune
Eidul Fitr celebrated in Gulf
The first day of Eidul Fitr was celebrated on Sunday in the Arab countries, including Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates (UAE), Qatar Kuwait and Bahrain and other countries, marking the end of the holy month of Ramazan. Mass gatherings for Eid prayers were held at Masjid al-Haram in Makkah and Masjid al-Nabawi in Madina, with officials estimating over two million worshippers in attendance, following the sighting of the Shawwal crescent moon in Saturday evening. Neighbouring Oman, as well as Indonesia and Brunei, would observe Eid on Monday (today). In the United Kingdom, the Muslim community was split, with some observing the festival on Sunday, while others on Monday. In the United States and Canada, many mosques followed a pre-determined lunar calendar, holding Eid on Sunday. Others were waiting for confirmed moon sightings before making a final announcement. The Saudi royal court and UAE's Moon Sighting Committee announced the sighting of the Shawwal crescent moon after Maghrib prayers on Saturday, marking the end of Ramazan after 29 days of fasting. Authorities in Palestine, Sudan, Yemen Lebanon and Turkiye also made similar announcements. Eid greetings poured in from world-wide after the announcements. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres extended Eid greetings with "a heavy heart," noting that millions of Muslims would mark the occasion under war and displacement. "I want to express my best wishes for Eidul Fitr to all Muslims around the world," the UN chief said in a video statement he shared on X. "But I do so with a heavy heart, thinking about the many Muslims who won't be able to celebrate Eid with their families due to war, conflict or displacement," he added. The UN chief emphasised the festival's core values of "solidarity and compassion," expressing hope that these principles might bridge divided communities. His message came as Palestinians in Gaza, Kashmiris under Indian occupation, Rohingya refugees, people in Sudan, and other conflict-hit Muslim populations face particularly sombre celebrations amid ongoing violence and humanitarian crises.
Daily Tribune
29-03-2025
- General
- Daily Tribune
Bahrain's Moon Sighting Committee Confirms Eid Al-Fitr on Sunday, March 30
Email : The Moon Sighting Committee in the Kingdom of Bahrain announced on Saturday evening that the crescent moon of Shawwal for the year 1446 AH has been sighted, officially marking the end of Ramadan. As a result, Sunday, March 30, 2025, will be the first day of Eid Al-Fitr. The announcement came following the committee's meeting to review testimonies regarding the sighting of the moon. Based on confirmed reports, the sighting was verified in accordance with Islamic guidelines. Consequently, this year's Ramadan concludes after 29 days of fasting. Eid Al-Fitr, one of the most significant Islamic celebrations, marks the beginning of the new month of Shawwal, bringing with it prayers, gatherings, and festivities across the country.
