Dubai Prepares for Eid Al Fitr 2025: Moon Sighting Challenges and Predictions
As countries worldwide gear up for the Eid Al Fitr moon sighting, experts predict that the crescent moon will most likely be spotted on Saturday, March 29, 2025. However, the UAE Astronomy Centre has stated that sighting the crescent may not be possible in most regions, including the Arab world.
Eid Dates in the UAE
If the crescent is sighted on Ramadan 29, Eid Al Fitr will be celebrated on Sunday, March 30. However, if the crescent is not visible, Ramadan will last 30 days, and Eid Al Fitr will begin on Monday, March 31.
According to Dubai Astronomy Group, calculations indicate that the crescent moon is expected to be visible in the UAE on March 30, meaning that Eid Al Fitr will most likely commence on March 31.
Why Might the Crescent Be Difficult to See?
The Astronomy Centre has highlighted that:
- Sighting the crescent will be impossible in the eastern parts of the world.
- It will not be visible across most of the Arab and Islamic world, even with advanced observation methods like telescopes and astrophotography.
- The crescent may only be visible using a telescope in central and northern parts of the Americas, but difficult to spot in the eastern regions.
- Only in parts of the Pacific Ocean (west of the US) will the crescent be visible to the naked eye.
The Role of a Solar Eclipse in the Moon Sighting
On Saturday, March 29, a partial solar eclipse will occur at midday, visible in some western Arab nations, including Mauritania, Morocco, Algeria, and Tunisia.
A solar eclipse is direct proof that the crescent moon cannot be seen immediately after conjunction. This astronomical event further confirms that any early moon sighting claims should be scrutinized to avoid optical illusions or errors in observation.
Moon Sighting Map Analysis
Experts have shared a moon sighting map showing the likelihood of seeing the crescent from different global regions:
- Red Areas – Sighting is impossible (moon sets before sunset or conjunction occurs after sunset).
- Uncolored Areas – Crescent is not visible, even with a telescope.
- Blue Areas – Crescent may be seen only with a telescope.
- Pink Areas – Crescent may be visible with a telescope and possibly with the naked eye under perfect atmospheric conditions.
Given these scientific findings, the Dubai Astronomy Group and UAE Astronomy Centre urge caution regarding early moon sighting claims on March 29, as they could be misinterpretations rather than actual sightings.
With Ramadan nearing its end, residents in Dubai and across the UAE eagerly await official confirmation of Eid Al Fitr 2025, which will be announced following the official moon sighting committee meeting.
Source : Khaleejtimes
