UAE Astronomers Capture Final Dhu Al Qadah Crescent Before Eid Al Adha 2026

May 16, 2026

59 min

May 16, 2026 13:30

Eid Al Adha 2026: UAE astronomers capture final Dhu Al Qadah crescent ahead of Dhu Al Hijjah moon sighting

## Final Crescent of Dhu Al Qadah Captured

Astronomers in the UAE have successfully photographed the last crescent of Dhu Al Qadah in daylight, just before the anticipated sighting of the Dhu Al Hijjah crescent. This event is crucial for determining the start of Eid Al Adha and the Hajj pilgrimage.

## Details of the Observation

The image was taken on May 16, 2026, at 3:45 pm UAE time by the Al Khatim Astronomical Observatory in Abu Dhabi. At the time, the Moon was 7.5 degrees from the Sun, and the lunar age was minus eight hours and 32 minutes, indicating the new moon had not yet formed.

## Importance of the Moon Sighting

The sighting of the Dhu Al Hijjah crescent is scheduled for May 17, 2026. This observation will officially mark the beginning of the month of Dhu Al Hijjah, which is significant for the Islamic calendar as it determines the timing of Eid Al Adha and the Hajj pilgrimage.

## Regional Observations

On the day the photograph was taken, most Islamic countries were observing the 28th day of Dhu Al Qadah, while Turkey and Bangladesh were on the 29th and 27th days, respectively.

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