UAE authorities announced on Sunday evening that the Dhu Al Hijjah moon was successfully sighted through reports submitted by specialised committees, astronomers, and observatories operating across the country using advanced space and astronomy technologies.

As a result, Monday, May 18, has been declared the first day of Dhu Al Hijjah 1447 AH.

The announcement officially sets the timeline for the upcoming Hajj season and the celebration of Eid Al Adha across the country.

Muslims around the world observe Dhu Al Hijjah as one of the holiest months in Islam, with Eid Al Adha expected to follow after the annual pilgrimage rituals.

 Advanced moon-sighting system

Officials said the confirmation was made after reviewing data from experts and astronomical centres working under a coordinated national system, highlighting the UAE’s growing use of technology in religious observations.

Residents await holiday details

With the moon sighting now confirmed, attention is turning to the official Eid Al Adha holiday announcement, which is expected to bring an extended break for residents across the UAE.

For many families, the announcement signals the start of travel plans, gatherings, and preparations for one of the year’s biggest celebrations.

Dubai has just unveiled another futuristic landmard, and this one could redefine sustainable government buildings worldwide.

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, officially inaugurated Al Sheraa, the new headquarters of Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) in Al Jaddaf.

Mind-blowing  numbers

Dubbed the tallest, largest, and smartest energy-positive government building in the world, Al Sheraa is designed to produce more energy than it consumes, making it a major milestone in Dubai’s sustainability journey.

The building features:
• 110,000 smart sensors
• 1,500+ wireless access points
• 3,200 connected smart devices
• Over 1.9 million automated control commands daily
• Solar energy systems generating up to 5 MW of electricity 

The building combines cutting-edge AI, automation, and renewable energy technologies to create a next-generation workspace focused on efficiency and sustainability.

Calling it a “global architectural icon,” Sheikh Mohammed said the project reflects Dubai’s leadership in innovation, smart technology, and green energy.

From AI-powered systems to solar-powered operations, Dubai is once again showing the world what the cities of the future could look like 

The iconic Burj Khalifa has added another global title to its long list of records, this time as the world’s most Instagrammable landmark.

According to the latest Instagram Attraction Index, Dubai’s famous skyscraper secured the top spot globally with more than 10 million tagged Instagram posts and approximately 1.1 million monthly searches, reinforcing its status as one of the most photographed destinations in the world.

Developed by Emaar Properties and officially completed in 2010, the Burj Khalifa rises 828 metres into the Dubai skyline with more than 160 floors, making it the tallest building on the planet.

Designed by architect Adrian Smith of Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, the tower has become one of the UAE’s most recognisable landmarks, attracting millions of visitors every year for its observation decks, fountain shows and skyline views.

Among the countless images shared online, some of the most visually striking photographs of the Burj Khalifa have come from Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, whose social media posts frequently capture Dubai from dramatic perspectives.

From lightning storms illuminating the tower to sunrise scenes above the clouds, Sheikh Hamdan’s photography has played a major role in showcasing the landmark’s cinematic appeal to audiences worldwide.

The Burj Khalifa’s popularity on Instagram reflects Dubai’s broader rise as a global tourism and lifestyle destination, where architecture, luxury experiences and futuristic cityscapes continue to attract international attention.

For many visitors, photographing the tower has become almost a mandatory Dubai experience, whether from the Dubai Fountain promenade, a rooftop overlooking Downtown Dubai or even from inside the clouds during winter fog season.