UAE: How astronomers spotted Dhul Hijjah moon; why 'every sighting matters'

Khaleej Times

27-05-2025

It felt like traveling back in time to an era when faith and science walked hand in hand under open skies. At a serene, quiet hilltop in Dubai, far from buildings and the sea, scholars, researchers, and astronomers came together. Telescopes pointed toward the setting sun, while a few peered through binoculars in anticipation. The atmosphere was calm yet focused, united by a single purpose — to sight the new crescent Moon of Dhul Hijjah.
At the beginning of every Islamic month, a group of experts gathers on a remote hilltop in Dubai to scan the skies. On Tuesday evening, Khaleej Times had exclusive access to this unique team — a mix of astronomers, scholars, and researchers, as they prepared to sight the crescent Moon, marking the start of Dhul Hijjah and the upcoming Eid Al Adha festival.
This team is part of Dubai's permanent Moon sighting committee, which meets each month at Jebel Al Nazwa, a location selected for its clear view of the horizon and minimal humidity and haze.
As the team arrived before sunset, around 5pm, they began setting up their equipment, from telescopes to astronomy apps and digital compasses. All instruments were aligned and calibrated to detect the very thin crescent Moon expected to appear shortly after sunset.
'We come to Jabel Al Nazwa every month because the conditions are ideal for sighting,' said Tameem Al Tamimi, a member of the Dubai Moon Sighting Committee. 'It's far from city lights and the sea. Humidity near coastal areas reduces visibility. This spot offers a dry, open sky.'
According to the experts, the crescent of Dhul Hijjah was expected to stay on the horizon for just 38 minutes after sunset. 'Based on astronomical calculations, the Moon is positioned a few degrees above and to the right of the sun on Tuesday. It's a very slim crescent, just 0.5 percent illuminated, so it can't be seen with the naked eye, but instruments make it possible,' said Mohammed Al Kamali, deputy head of Dubai Moon Sighting Committee.
As sunset approached, the team took their positions, scanning the western sky. Some sat on mats in the prayer area, and a few were on camping chairs, while others stood behind telescopes and tripods, carefully adjusting settings.
'There was a high probability of sighting the Moon,' said Tameem. 'But due to haze and low visibility, it was a challenge. That's why we use every tool available during this brief window.'
What makes Dubai's Moon sighting practice unique is the composition of its committee. 'It's rare to see a permanent committee with religious scholars, researchers, and astronomers working together,' said Sheikh Mohammed Eyada Al Kubaisi, Grand Mufti at the Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department (IACAD). 'It's a collaboration that ensures both accuracy and unity.'
While astronomical data guides predictions, physical confirmation is essential. 'We don't rely on calculations alone,' Sheikh Al Kubaisi said. 'Islam requires visual confirmation, which is why fieldwork like this is so important.'
After offering the Maghrib prayer at the hilltop, the team resumed their observation. Everyone stayed focused, even if the crescent might not appear.
'Sometimes we see the Moon, sometimes we don't,' said Al Kamali. 'The important part is trying, with sincerity and precision. Every sighting matters.'
The position of Saudi Arabia also influences the crescent's visibility, according to researchers and astronomers. 'Saudi Arabia is west of the UAE, so it has a slightly better chance of sighting the Moon,' said Al Kamali. 'As the sun sets further west, the crescent's visibility improves, even places like the US and Canada can see it with the naked eye under clear skies. But here in Dubai, we often succeed too, especially in good conditions.'
For most, Eid announcements come through social media or news updates. Few realise the hours of preparation and coordination that go into confirming the sighting. 'We are out here for three to four hours, completely focused on confirming the Moon,' said Tameem. 'If we don't sight it in the available window, we consult other groups across the region.'
As the observation came to an end, water and dates were passed around, a simple but heartfelt Emirati tradition. It's a gesture to quench the thirst and ease the fatigue after hours of patient effort under the open sky.