ABU DHABI: The crescent of the Shawwal moon has been sighted in Abu Dhabi, and therefore Eid-ul-Fitr in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) would be observed on Monday, May 2.
The International Astronomy Center announced that the crescent was seen using the technique of astronomical imaging, and the moon could not be spotted with the naked eye due to dusty weather.
The moon was sighted at 03:10 pm from the Astronomical Seal Observatory of the International Astronomy Center. The distance of the moon from the sun is 6.5 degrees.
The public sector will observe Eid break in the UAE until Friday, May 6. Schools across the country have also announced long Eid holidays, and students will enjoy a 9-day break.
Shawwal crescent has been sighted in Philippines, Malaysia, Thailand, and Brunei. Saudi Arabia has already announced that Eid will be observed in kingdom on Monday.
The Muslim community around the world is preparing to bid an emotional farewell to the pious month of Ramazan and welcome Shawwal with a grand celebration of Eid-ul-Fitr.
During this period the followers of Islam fast between dawn and sunset, pray for peace and guidance, and give back to the community in the form of charity or engaging in humanitarian activities.
