Dubai moon sighting event organisers are inviting residents and families across the UAE to take part in a public crescent observation gathering ahead of Dhul Hijjah, giving the community a rare chance to witness how the Islamic lunar calendar is officially confirmed.
The event, organised by the Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department (IACAD), will take place on Sunday, May 17, at Jebel Nazwa from 5 pm until after sunset. The gathering is open to all members of the public.
Located near the Dubai-Hatta highway on the border of Dubai and Sharjah, Jebel Nazwa is a protected conservation area and a 200-metre-high mountain known for its clear desert views, making it a suitable location for crescent observation.
According to IACAD, the initiative is designed to help residents better understand the traditional and scientific methods used to determine the beginning of Islamic months. Visitors attending the event will be able to observe the crescent moon-sighting process and learn how religious rulings and astronomical calculations work together to confirm the start of the Hijri calendar.
The moon sighting will determine the official beginning of Dhul Hijjah, the final month in the Islamic calendar, and confirm important dates, including Arafah Day and Eid Al Adha.
The announcement also comes as many UAE residents look ahead to the Eid Al Adha holidays. Based on astronomical calculations shared by the Sharjah Academy for Astronomy, Space Sciences and Technology, Wednesday, May 27, 2026, is expected to be the first day of Eid Al Adha in the UAE, while Arafah Day is expected to fall on Tuesday, May 26.
If confirmed, Monday, May 18, would mark the first day of Dhul Hijjah.
Moon sighting remains an important tradition across the Islamic world, with dedicated committees and observatories working together to confirm the beginning of each lunar month through both visual observation and astronomical data.
The process plays a major role in determining key Islamic occasions, including Ramadan, Eid Al Fitr, Eid Al Adha and the Hajj season.
For many families, the Dubai event also offers a chance to experience an important cultural and religious tradition in a more interactive and educational setting.
