Page 115 - UAE FATWA PR REPORT - MARCH 2025 (ENGLISH)

Ramadan 2025: UAE to use drones for Moon sighting

in world first

These drones will be equipped with artificial intelligence technology
Published: Fri 28 Feb 2025, 2:42 PM

• By

• Web Desk

The UAE will be using drones to help sight the Ramadan crescent, the UAE Council for Fatwa
announced on Friday, becoming the first in the world to do so.

These drones will be equipped with artificial intelligence technology.

31 Dec, 2023

Abu Dhabi Sheikh Zayed Festival fireworks

The UAE has called on all Muslims to sight the Moon for Ramadan on the evening of Friday, February
28. The date corresponds to 29 Shaban AD in the Umm Al Qura calendar which has been developed
by the country to determine dates and months.

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The council highlighted that the observation using drones will be considered an extension of 'direct
vision', which is considered to be the basis for confirming the sighting of the crescent moon.

This is in accordance with the saying of the Prophet (PBUH), who said: “Do not fast until you see the
crescent moon, and do not break your fast until you see it. If it is obscured from you, estimate it.”

The monitoring will be carried out in addition to the sighting with the naked eye, and the
astronomical observatories spread across the country, which use the best advanced devices and
machines to ensure the accuracy of sighting the crescent moon.

These machines provide confirmed scientific results and data in the crescent observation
operations, in coordination and cooperation with national institutions, specialised centers and
astronomical observatories, the authority stated.

If the Moon is spotted on Friday evening after the Maghrib prayer, Ramadan will commence on
March 1. Whereas, if the crescent is not sighted, then the holy month will begin on March 2.

The country's International Astronomy Centre said Ramadan is likely to begin on March 1. Every
year, faithful residents across the country await the Moon sighting which determines the
commencement of the holy month.

The UAE's Federal Authority for Government Human Resources earlier announced official working
hours for government employees in the country during the month of Ramdan.

https://www.khaleejtimes.com/ramadan/uae-to-use-drones-for-ramadan-moon-sighting-in-
worlds-first