The start of Eid Al Fitr, the Islamic festival marking the end of Ramadan, will be announced when the UAE’s official Moon-sighting committee meets to determine whether the new crescent moon is visible.
The decision will determine if Eid begins on Sunday or Monday, depending on the lunar observations after sunset on the 29th day of Ramadan, which this year is Saturday.
Unlike the Gregorian calendar, the Islamic Hijri calendar is based on the Moon. Each Hijri month begins only after the sighting of the new crescent moon.
“The crescent moon that signals the start of a new month must be visible after sunset on the 29th day of the current month,” Ibrahim Al Jarwan, chairman of the Emirates Astronomy Society, told The National. “If not seen, the month completes 30 days as per Islamic tradition.”
While the astronomical birth of the new moon can be calculated precisely, religious observance requires visual confirmation from trained observers stationed at selected locations in the country. These locations are chosen for their optimal atmospheric conditions, including minimal cloud cover, low humidity and reduced light pollution.
Why Eid dates vary
The Hijri calendar year is about 11 days shorter than the solar year. This difference means Islamic months shift earlier each year in relation to the Gregorian calendar. For example, Ramadan 1445 began on March 11 last year, while this year Ramadan 1446 started on March 1.
Over a cycle of about 33 lunar years, Ramadan will complete a full seasonal rotation. “The observance of Islamic rituals such as fasting during Ramadan, Hajj and Eid celebrations relies on this dynamic calendar, which moves through the seasons,” Mr Al Jarwan said. “Other faiths, including Judaism and Christianity, also depend on lunar calendars for major observances such as Passover and Easter.”
While observation remains the main way to confirm lunar months, the UAE uses technology to support the process. Drones were used during the Moon-sighting process for Ramadan this year, described by Mr Al Jarwan as a “milestone in the field of astronomical observation”.
For a Moon sighting to be considered scientifically feasible, certain conditions must be met. The Moon must be:
- Born before sunset.
- Separated from the Sun by at least six degrees.
- At least 12 hours old.
- Visible above the horizon for at least 20 minutes after sunset.
No Moon has ever been sighted without meeting these thresholds.
What is the Moon-sighting committee?
The UAE's Moon-sighting committee is formed by the UAE Council for Fatwa and is typically made up of senior government figures. Last year, it was chaired by Abdullah Al Nuaimi, Minister of Justice.
Every Muslim country, city or community has someone to watch the Moon. While the specifics of Moon-sighting each month vary across the region, most Gulf nations – including the UAE – form a moon-sighting committee for major Islamic dates such as Ramadan, Eid Al Fitr and Eid Al Adha.
Regional variation
Due to the differences in geographic and atmospheric conditions, the crescent may be visible in some countries and not in others on the same evening. “This is why Eid and other Islamic events may fall on different days in different regions, a concept known among Islamic scholars as Ikhtilaf Al Matali, or differing horizons,” Mr Al Jarwan said.
For instance, visibility may be impossible in parts of South-East Asia, marginal in the Arabian Peninsula and more likely in the Maghreb region due to the Moon’s greater altitude.
“Whether to unify the Hijri calendar or allow regional variation is ultimately a matter of religious jurisprudence,” Mr Al Jarwan said. “Astronomers advise and support, but the final decision rests with Islamic legal authorities.”
What is Eid Al Fitr?
Eid Al Fitr marks one of two holy feasts celebrated by Muslims worldwide. The first day of the festival coincides with the first day of the 10th Islamic calendar month, known as Shawwal.
Celebrations begin with Eid prayers, shortly after the dawn fajr prayer, and last for three days. The Eid prayer is followed by a sermon, and a major part of the ritual is greeting others who have gathered to pray and wishing them an “Eid Mubarak”. The prayers are a chance to exchange Eid greetings and meet neighbours, family and friends.
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Results:
CSIL 2-star 145cm One Round with Jump-Off
1. Alice Debany Clero (USA) on Amareusa S 38.83 seconds
2. Anikka Sande (NOR) For Cash 2 39.09
3. Georgia Tame (GBR) Cash Up 39.42
4. Nadia Taryam (UAE) Askaria 3 39.63
5. Miriam Schneider (GER) Fidelius G 47.74
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An Islamic bond structured in a way to generate returns without violating Sharia strictures on prohibition of interest.
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What sanctions would be reimposed?
Under ‘snapback’, measures imposed on Iran by the UN Security Council in six resolutions would be restored, including:
- An arms embargo
- A ban on uranium enrichment and reprocessing
- A ban on launches and other activities with ballistic missiles capable of delivering nuclear weapons, as well as ballistic missile technology transfer and technical assistance
- A targeted global asset freeze and travel ban on Iranian individuals and entities
- Authorisation for countries to inspect Iran Air Cargo and Islamic Republic of Iran Shipping Lines cargoes for banned goods
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Ticket prices
General admission Dh295 (under-three free)
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Specs
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The Sand Castle
Director: Matty Brown
Stars: Nadine Labaki, Ziad Bakri, Zain Al Rafeea, Riman Al Rafeea
Rating: 2.5/5
The specs: 2018 BMW R nineT Scrambler
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Engine 1,170cc air/oil-cooled flat twin four-stroke engine
Transmission Six-speed gearbox
Power 110hp) @ 7,750rpm
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4,872 matches
1,942 teams
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76 nations
26 UAE teams
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2 Kuwaiti teams
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Mohammed bin Zayed Majlis
The Voice of Hind Rajab
Starring: Saja Kilani, Clara Khoury, Motaz Malhees
Director: Kaouther Ben Hania
Rating: 4/5
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The drill
Recharge as needed, says Mat Dryden: “We try to make it a rule that every two to three months, even if it’s for four days, we get away, get some time together, recharge, refresh.” The couple take an hour a day to check into their businesses and that’s it.
Stick to the schedule, says Mike Addo: “We have an entire wall known as ‘The Lab,’ covered with colour-coded Post-it notes dedicated to our joint weekly planner, content board, marketing strategy, trends, ideas and upcoming meetings.”
Be a team, suggests Addo: “When training together, you have to trust in each other’s abilities. Otherwise working out together very quickly becomes one person training the other.”
Pull your weight, says Thuymi Do: “To do what we do, there definitely can be no lazy member of the team.”
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Ahmed Raza (captain), Chirag Suri (vice-captain), Rohan Mustafa, Mohammed Usman, Mohammed Boota, Zahoor Khan, Junaid Siddique, Waheed Ahmad, Zawar Farid, CP Rizwaan, Aryan Lakra, Karthik Meiyappan, Alishan Sharafu, Basil Hameed, Kashif Daud, Adithya Shetty, Vriitya Aravind
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Engine: 4.4-litre twin-turbo V-8 petrol enging with additional electric motor
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Key findings of Jenkins report
- Founder of the Muslim Brotherhood, Hassan al Banna, "accepted the political utility of violence"
- Views of key Muslim Brotherhood ideologue, Sayyid Qutb, have “consistently been understood” as permitting “the use of extreme violence in the pursuit of the perfect Islamic society” and “never been institutionally disowned” by the movement.
- Muslim Brotherhood at all levels has repeatedly defended Hamas attacks against Israel, including the use of suicide bombers and the killing of civilians.
- Laying out the report in the House of Commons, David Cameron told MPs: "The main findings of the review support the conclusion that membership of, association with, or influence by the Muslim Brotherhood should be considered as a possible indicator of extremism."
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Tips to avoid getting scammed
1) Beware of cheques presented late on Thursday
2) Visit an RTA centre to change registration only after receiving payment
3) Be aware of people asking to test drive the car alone
4) Try not to close the sale at night
5) Don't be rushed into a sale
6) Call 901 if you see any suspicious behaviour
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THE SPECS
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Engine: 4.4-litre V8
Transmission: Eight-speed Steptronic transmission
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The biog
Born: near Sialkot, Pakistan, 1981
Profession: Driver
Family: wife, son (11), daughter (8)
Favourite drink: chai karak
Favourite place in Dubai: The neighbourhood of Khawaneej. “When I see the old houses over there, near the date palms, I can be reminded of my old times. If I don’t go down I cannot recall my old times.”
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Developer: From Software (remaster by QLOC)
Publisher: Namco Bandai
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UAE v Gibraltar
What: International friendly
When: 7pm kick off
Where: Rugby Park, Dubai Sports City
Admission: Free
Online: The match will be broadcast live on Dubai Exiles’ Facebook page
UAE squad: Lucas Waddington (Dubai Exiles), Gio Fourie (Exiles), Craig Nutt (Abu Dhabi Harlequins), Phil Brady (Harlequins), Daniel Perry (Dubai Hurricanes), Esekaia Dranibota (Harlequins), Matt Mills (Exiles), Jaen Botes (Exiles), Kristian Stinson (Exiles), Murray Reason (Abu Dhabi Saracens), Dave Knight (Hurricanes), Ross Samson (Jebel Ali Dragons), DuRandt Gerber (Exiles), Saki Naisau (Dragons), Andrew Powell (Hurricanes), Emosi Vacanau (Harlequins), Niko Volavola (Dragons), Matt Richards (Dragons), Luke Stevenson (Harlequins), Josh Ives (Dubai Sports City Eagles), Sean Stevens (Saracens), Thinus Steyn (Exiles)
