Eid Al-Fitr 2025: UAE Uses AI-Powered Drones For Shawwal Crescent Moon Sighting Amid Solar Eclipse

Dubai, March 29: Islamic countries worldwide are preparing to sight the Shawwal crescent moon, marking the end of Ramadan and the start of Eid Al-Fitr. Each country determines the date based on official moon sightings.

In the UAE, the Shawwal Crescent Sighting Committee will meet on Saturday (March 29) at Al Hosn in Abu Dhabi. Experts in Shariah, astronomy and law will oversee the process. The UAE will use AI-powered drones and high-tech observatories in Al Khatim, Jabal Hafeet, Dubai, Sharjah and Ras Al Khaimah to enhance accuracy.

The official account of Media Abu Dhabi shared a tweet and said, "The Shawwal Crescent Sighting Committee, part of @fatwauae, will observe the crescent on Saturday evening, 29 March 2025 (29 Ramadan 1446 AH), at Qasr Al Hosn, Abu Dhabi, using five AI-powered observatories and drones to document the sighting with the highest global standards."

The International Astronomy Centre has confirmed that seeing the crescent moon on March 29 will be impossible, as the moon will set before the sun, making sighting unfeasible. Based on calculations, Ramadan will likely last 30 days, meaning Eid Al-Fitr will fall on Monday (March 31). However, some countries may declare Eid on Sunday, March 30, if they follow different moon-sighting methods.

Brunei has confirmed that Eid will be celebrated on Monday (March 31) as Shawwal crescent Moon was not sighted in the country today. Malaysia has also announced that Eid will be celebrated on Monday. Saudi Arabia will hold the meeting of Shawwal Crescent Sighting Moon Committee today.