Dubai residents will have the chance to take part in a traditional moon sighting event this weekend as authorities prepare to confirm the start of Dhu Al Hijjah, the final month of the Islamic calendar and the lead-up to Eid Al Adha.The

The Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department announced it will host a public moon-sighting event on May 17 at Jebel Nazwa Trail, with observations beginning at 5pm.

The sighting of the Dhu Al Hijjah crescent will determine the official start of the Hijri month and confirm the dates for Eid Al Adha in the UAE.

Eid Al Adha holiday dates expected soon

If the crescent moon is sighted on the evening of Sunday, May 17, then Dhu Al Hijjah will begin on Monday, May 18.

Astronomers say this is currently the most likely scenario, which could also pave the way for a six-day Eid Al Adha holiday in the UAE.

The UAE’s official moon sighting committee will announce the final decision shortly after sunset, following observations from accredited observatories, field teams and public testimonies across the country.

Why the moon sighting matters

The Islamic calendar follows lunar cycles rather than the solar-based Gregorian calendar, meaning the start of each month depends on the visibility of the crescent moon.

Sunday, May 17, marks the 29th day of Dhu Al Qa’dah, the 11th month in the Hijri calendar. The next month, Dhu Al Hijjah, includes the Hajj pilgrimage and Eid Al Adha celebrations observed by Muslims worldwide.

Authorities have urged members of the public to participate in the event and experience one of Islam’s long-standing traditions firsthand.

Getting around Dubai just became easier and cheaper for commuters in some of the city’s busiest neighbourhoods.

The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has expanded its popular Bus On Demand service to four new areas: Al Qusais, JVC, Al Warqa’a and Dubai Investments Park.

Even better, the service is currently being offered free of charge in the newly added zones as part of the latest rollout.

The app-based service allows residents to book small shared buses directly from their location to their destination, offering a flexible alternative to traditional public transport.

How Dubai Bus On Demand works

Using the Bus On Demand app, passengers can request a ride similar to booking a taxi, but at a much lower fare. The buses can carry up to 13 passengers and operate without fixed bus stops inside service zones.

The service now covers 15 Dubai neighbourhoods, including:

• Al Barsha 1, 2 and 3
• Al Karama
• Al Mankhool
• Al Nahda
• Al Qusais
• Al Rigga
• Al Warqa’a
• Barsha Heights
• Business Bay
• DIFC
• Dubai Academic City
• Downtown Dubai
• Dubai Investments Park
• Dubai Silicon Oasis
• Jumeirah Village Circle
• Oud Metha
• Port Saeed

Timings and fares

The service operates:

• Monday to Thursday and Saturday: 5am to midnight
• Friday: 5am to 1am
• Sunday: 8am to midnight

Standard fares are:

• Dhs5 per trip
• Dhs4 for additional passengers on the same booking
• Dhs7 for interzone travel
• Dhs2 within Business Bay

Interzone routes available

Passengers can also travel between selected neighbouring areas through six interzone routes:

• Al Barsha – Barsha Heights
• Al Rigga – Port Saeed
• Al Karama – Oud Metha
• Al Karama – Al Mankhool
• Business Bay – Downtown Dubai
• Dubai Silicon Oasis – Dubai Academic City

The UAE has announced a week-long Eid Al Adha holiday for federal government employees, with public sector workers set to enjoy a five-day break later this month.

Federal Authority for Government Human Resources confirmed that holidays for federal entities will begin on Monday, May 25, and continue until Friday, May 29, with work resuming on Monday, June 1.

A separate announcement for private sector workers is expected soon from the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation.

Meanwhile, Dubai authorities will host a public moon-sighting event for the Dhu Al Hijjah crescent on May 17 at Jebel Nazwa Trail.

The event is being organised by the Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department and will begin at 5pm, before sunset observations take place.

Astronomical calculations suggest Eid Al Adha is likely to begin on Wednesday, May 27, although official confirmation will depend on the moon sighting.