Abu Dhabi, UAE – The crescent moon marking the start of Dhul Hijjah has been officially sighted in the UAE, heralding the countdown to Eid Al Adha 2025. The Al Khatim Astronomical Observatory in Abu Dhabi captured the celestial event, prompting the UAE Presidential Court to confirm the sighting and announce key dates for the Islamic festival.
Scientific Observation: How the Dhul Hijjah Moon Was Spotted
The UAE Astronomy Centre documented the moon’s progression through a series of high-resolution images taken at Al Khatim Astronomical Observatory:
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11:00 AM: First sighting (5.5° angular distance from the sun)
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3:15 PM: Moon’s position updated (6.5° from the sun)
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7:05 PM: Post-sunset confirmation (7.6° from the sun)
Key Figures Behind the Discovery
The observation team included renowned Emirati astronomers
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Osama Ghanem
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Anas Mohammed
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Khalfan Al Naimi
Eid Al Adha 2025: Official Dates and Implications
With the crescent confirmed, the UAE’s Islamic calendar is now set:
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First day of Dhul Hijjah: Wednesday, May 28, 2025
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Eid Al Adha begins: Friday, June 6, 2025 (Note: Corrected from “July” in original report)
What This Means for Residents
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Public/private sector holidays: Likely 4+ days (official announcement pending)
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Travel surge: Airports expected to be busy as families plan trips
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Religious preparations: Hajj pilgrims to depart soon; local slaughterhouse bookings to open
How the UAE’s Announcement Compares Globally
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Saudi Arabia: Aligned with UAE’s dates
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Oman, Qatar: Expected to follow suit
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South Asia: May differ by a day due to timezone variations
FAQ Section
Q: When is Eid Al Adha 2025 in the UAE?
A: Friday, June 6, following 10 days of Dhul Hijjah.
Q: Where was the moon sighted?
A: At Abu Dhabi’s Al Khatim Astronomical Observatory by a team of expert astronomers.
Q: How long is the Eid holiday expected to be?
A: Typically 4 days, but wait for the official UAE government announcement.
Conclusion
With the Dhul Hijjah moon officially sighted and Eid Al Adha 2025 dates confirmed, the UAE is set to embrace the spiritual and festive spirit of the occasion. Residents can now finalize their holiday plans, whether it involves travel, family gatherings, or religious observances.
The precise moon-sighting process underscores the UAE’s commitment to tradition while leveraging advanced astronomical science. As anticipation builds, communities across the Emirates will soon unite in prayer, celebration, and generosity.
