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Thousands of people viewed the spectacle of an eclipse of the sun looking skywards through special filter eyeglasses as the moon crosses its path blocking everything but a narrow, blazing rim of light. Image Credit: AP

Al Ain:  A partial solar eclipse will occur on January 4 and people will be able to view it in the UAE.

The eclipse, according to astronomers, will be visible from 12.09 to 1.32pm in Dubai with a few minutes difference in other parts of the country.

The eclipse will also be visible in Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, Oman and other countries in the Middle East.

People in many countries in Europe and North Africa will also be able to view the eclipse.

A solar eclipse occurs when the Earth, Moon and Sun are aligned and the shadow of the Moon falls on the surface of the Earth.

Some astronomy groups in the UAE usually make arrangements to view the phenomenon through special equipment.

Solar eclipses have been observed throughout history.

Scientists believe that the earliest one was recorded more than 4,000 years ago.