See: First crescent moon of Ramadan sighted in UAE

Dubai: The International Astronomical Center (IAC) has announced the sighting of the crescent moon, marking the beginning of Ramadan.

The first image of the Ramadan crescent in the Islamic world was captured on Friday, February 28, 2025, from Abu Dhabi by the Al-Khatim Astronomical Observatory.

The images capture the crescent at different times of the day, with observations recorded at 2:00 pm and 6:27 pm UAE time. Initially spotted 5 degrees from the Sun, the crescent moved to 6.9 degrees by sunset, confirming the start of the holy month of Ramadan.

Ramadan begins on March 1

The UAE’s moonsighting committee has announced that Saturday, March 1, 2025, will be the first day of Ramadan, with Friday marking the last day of Sha’ban.

For the first time, the UAE utilised AI-powered drones to sight the crescent moon marking the start of Ramadan.

Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, is considered the holiest month as it commemorates the revelation of the Quran to Prophet Mohammed (PBUH) on Laylat Al Qadr, one of the last ten nights of Ramadan.