UAE announces March 30 as first day of Eid Al Fitr

The Presidential Court has declared that tomorrow, Sunday, March 30, will mark the first day of Eid Al Fitr in the United Arab Emirates, following the confirmed sighting of the Shawwal crescent this evening.

Read-Eid Al Fitr 2025: GCC countries announce long holidays

According to a WAM report, the UAE Council for Fatwa deployed AI-powered drones to sight the Shawwal crescent moon for the year 1446 AH, highlighting the country’s leadership in adopting innovative technological solutions for monitoring and observation.

The council is the first in the world to utilize this advanced technology for moon sighting, having previously employed it earlier this year to observe the Ramadan crescent.

Several drones were deployed from the Al Khatim Astronomical Observatory, equipped with high-precision lenses that ascended more than 300 meters above the ground, directed toward the location of the moon based on precise astronomical calculations.

The council used this approach for the second time to overcome potential challenges that could obstruct visual sighting and ensure the atmospheric clarity required for accurate observation.

Additionally, AI-powered technologies were utilized to analyze images, process data, and determine the location of the crescent’s birth and its visibility with high precision.

Seven locations for Eid Al Fitr cannons

The Dubai Police have designated seven sites across the emirate for the traditional Eid Al Fitr cannon firing, a cultural practice symbolizing the celebration.

Lieutenant Colonel Abdullah Tarish Al Amimi, Commander of the Cannon Team, explained that the Eid cannon is a significant part of the UAE’s social heritage, deeply rooted in the community’s memory and consciousness.

Specialized teams will operate the cannons at seven locations: Za’abeel Grand Mosque in Za’abeel and the Eid prayer grounds in Umm Suqeim, Nad Al Hamar, Al Barsha, Nad Al Sheba, Al Baraha, and Hatta.