In a groundbreaking move, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) will deploy drones equipped with artificial intelligence (AI) technology to assist in sighting the Ramadan crescent moon, the UAE Council for Fatwa announced on Friday. This initiative makes the UAE the first country in the world to incorporate drone technology in the traditional lunar observation process.
Revolutionizing Moon Sighting with AI Technology
The AI-powered drones will serve as an extension of direct vision, aligning with Islamic teachings that emphasize visual confirmation of the crescent moon to mark the beginning of Ramadan. The council cited a hadith of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH):
“Do not fast until you see the crescent moon, and do not break your fast until you see it. If it is obscured from you, estimate it.”
These drones will supplement traditional naked-eye observations and the astronomical observatories spread across the UAE, which employ advanced instruments to ensure precise lunar sighting.
When Will Ramadan 2025 Begin?
The UAE has urged Muslims to observe the crescent moon on the evening of Friday, February 28. If the crescent is sighted after Maghrib prayers, Ramadan will commence on Saturday, March 1. If not, fasting will begin on Sunday, March 2.
The International Astronomy Centre in the UAE has predicted that Ramadan is likely to start on March 1, 2025. However, the official declaration will depend on the crescent sighting reports from observatories and the newly introduced drone-assisted monitoring.
Saudi Arabia Follows Suit
Saudi Arabia has also called upon Muslims across the Kingdom to observe the moon on Friday, February 28, in accordance with Islamic traditions. The official start date of Ramadan in Saudi Arabia will be determined based on lunar sighting results.
Government Announces Ramadan Working Hours
The UAE’s Federal Authority for Government Human Resources has announced reduced working hours for government employees during Ramadan. Similarly, private sector employees will have their daily working hours reduced by two hours in line with labor laws governing the holy month.
A Historic Moment for Islamic Lunar Astronomy
By integrating cutting-edge AI and drone technology into traditional lunar observations, the UAE is setting a precedent in how Islamic months are determined. This historic innovation enhances accuracy, efficiency, and scientific validation, ensuring a more precise and seamless moon sighting process.
As millions of Muslims in the UAE and worldwide prepare for Ramadan 2025, the fusion of faith, tradition, and technology marks a new era in Islamic astronomy.
Bhupendra Singh Chundawat is a seasoned technology journalist with over 22 years of experience in the media industry. He specializes in covering the global technology landscape, with a deep focus on manufacturing trends and the geopolitical impact on tech companies. Currently serving as the Editor at Udaipur Kiran, his insights are shaped by decades of hands-on reporting and editorial leadership in the fast-evolving world of technology.