Ramadan 2025: Crescent Moon Sighting & Fasting Date in UAE

Ramadan 2025: Crescent Moon Sighting and Fasting Dates in the UAE

As Muslims around the world prepare for Ramadan 2025, the focus is on the crescent moon, which marks the beginning of the holy month. Observing Ramadan—also spelled Ramzan, Ramzaan, or Ramazan—is a time of fasting, prayer, and spiritual reflection. Islamic tradition, which uses the lunar calendar, gives the sighting of the new moon a lot of weight in establishing the formal beginning of the month.

Importance of Moon Sighting in Islam

According to Islamic teachings, the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) advised,
“Do not fast until you see the crescent, and do not break your fast until you see it. If it’s obscured, then make an estimate it.”

While traditional moon sighting remains an essential practice, modern astronomical calculations now provide additional guidance in predicting the visibility of the crescent moon.

Expected Crescent Moon Sighting & Ramadan Start Date in UAE

Astronomers from the International Astronomical Centre in Abu Dhabi predict that the Ramadan crescent moon will be visible on Friday, February 28, 2025. The first fast is likely to start on Saturday, March 1, 2025, although official moon sighting committees will provide the final certification.

While certain portions of the Americas may be able to see the crescent with the naked eye, telescopes are predicted to be able to see it across West Asia, most of Africa, and parts of southern Europe.

Since the moon is expected to set after sunset in all regions, most Islamic nations are likely to confirm March 1 as the first day of fasting.

Moon Sighting Process in the UAE

In the UAE, Muslims will attempt to sight the Ramadan crescent on the evening of February 28, 2025, which corresponds to 29 Sha’ban 1446 AH in the Islamic calendar. If the moon is sighted that night, Taraweeh prayers will begin immediately, and fasting will commence the next morning.

On Sunday, March 2, 2025, Ramadan will formally start if the crescent is not seen.

UAE weather and the length of the fast

Discussions have also centered on weather and fasting hours as the holy month draws near.

• Fasting hours: At the start of Ramadan, fasting is expected to last around 13 hours, gradually increasing to 13 hours and 42 minutes by the end of the month.
• Regional time differences: The eastern parts of the UAE, such as the East Coast, will experience Suhoor and Iftar slightly earlier than the western areas like Sila and Al Ghuwaifat, with a time difference of about 20 minutes.
• Weather forecast:
  • Early Ramadan: Temperatures will range between 18°C and 29°C.
  • Late Ramadan: Expected to rise between 21°C and 34°C.
  • Rainfall predictions: Rainfall between 18mm and 24mm is forecasted, with possible atmospheric disturbances in the latter half of Ramadan.

Muslims in the UAE and around the world are looking forward to the moon sighting that will signal the start of Ramadan 2025. Communities will come together in fasting and worship during the holy month, whether it is confirmed on February 28 or postponed until March 2.