Eyes to the skies! UAE to spot the moon and lock in Eid Al Adha break
Grab your binoculars – moon spotting season is here, and your long weekend depends on it!
The UAE is gearing up for that magical moment when tradition, astronomy, and time off all collide – yes, we’re talking about the official moon sighting to kick off Eid Al Adha 2025.
Mark your calendar for Tuesday 27 May, because that’s when the UAE Council for Fatwa has asked everyone – from astronomers to everyday stargazers – to look up and help spot the crescent moon of Dhu Al Hijjah, the final month in the Islamic calendar.
Why all the excitement? Because once the crescent is seen, Eid Al Adha can officially begin – and with it comes a much-anticipated public holiday.
Here’s how it works: the Moon Sighting Committee (yes, it’s a real thing!) will gather at the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi that evening.
They’re not just peering through telescopes for fun – they’ll be using sophisticated tech and scientific data from national observatories to determine whether the moon has made its grand appearance.
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But it’s not just for the pros – the public is also invited to join the search. Whether you’re an expert moon-spotter or just love a good skywatching moment, you’re encouraged to participate and report any sightings.
So what happens if the moon is spotted on Tuesday night?
Scenario 1: Dhu Al Hijjah starts Wednesday 28 May
- Arafat Day would fall on Thursday 5 June
- Eid Al Adha begins on Friday 6 June
- That means a four-day weekend: 5-8 June (Thursday to Sunday)
Scenario 2: No moon sighting, Dhu Al Qadah extends to 30 days
- Arafat Day shifts to Friday 6 June
- Eid Al Adha begins on Saturday 7 June
- The holiday runs from 6–9 June (Friday to Monday) – yep, still four days off!
Either way, it’s looking like a sweet long weekend for most of us – we’re just waiting on the official confirmation from above (literally).
And just in case you’re wondering, months in the Islamic calendar can be either 29 or 30 days, depending on when the new moon is visible.
If it’s not seen by day 29 – usually due to clouds or haze – the current month simply gets extended by a day.
This moon-sighting ritual isn’t unique to the UAE, either. Saudi Arabia has already called on its residents to do the same, and many countries across the region follow suit around this time each year.
So whether you’re in it for the spiritual meaning, the celestial science, or just the blessed time off, keep your eyes on the skies this Tuesday night. Your Eid plans (and maybe your weekend getaway) could hinge on a single shimmering crescent.
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