The UAE is set to become the first country in the world to utilize drones for moon sighting, as announced by the UAE Council for Fatwa. These drones, integrated with artificial intelligence, will assist in confirming the sighting of the Ramadan crescent. The council emphasized that this method aligns with Islamic traditions and serves as an extension of direct vision, as instructed by Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). Muslims in the UAE have been urged to observe the crescent on the evening of February 28, aligning with the 29th of Shaban in the Umm Al Qura calendar.
In addition to drone technology, moon sighting will also be carried out through traditional naked-eye observations and advanced astronomical observatories across the country. These observatories, equipped with cutting-edge technology, ensure precise data collection in coordination with national institutions and scientific research centers. If the crescent is visible on February 28, Ramadan will commence on March 1; otherwise, it will begin on March 2. The UAE’s International Astronomy Centre predicts that Ramadan is likely to start on March 1 based on astronomical calculations.
Meanwhile, the UAE's Federal Authority for Government Human Resources has announced revised working hours for government employees during Ramadan. The private sector will also have reduced working hours, shortened by two hours per day. Saudi Arabia has similarly called upon its citizens to participate in the moon sighting on the same evening, further reaffirming the shared cultural and religious significance of the event across the region.
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