Five AI-powered national observatories will participate in the crescent moon sighting as the UAE Fatwa Council will convene Shawwal Crescent Sighting Committee meeting on March 29.
The meeting will be held at the historic Al-Hosn site in Abu Dhabi, which was selected due to its national and cultural significance, and its position as a centre for official, national, and religious events in the history of the UAE.
Drones which can rise to a height of over 300 metres above ground, equipped with high-precision lenses, will be deployed from Al-Khatim Astronomical Observatory.
The drones will be directed toward the location of the moon based on precise astronomical calculations; this will help overcome challenges that may obstruct visual sighting and ensure accurate observation.
The observatories that will participate in the crescent sighting are:
• Al-Khatim Astronomical Observatory
• Jabal Hafeet Observatory
• Dubai Crescent Observatory
• Sharjah Astronomical Observatory
• Ras Al Khaimah Observatory
This is the second time that UAE is deploying drones for crescent sighting, with the country earlier being the first in the world to use drones to sight the Ramadan crescent.
The observatories will also use AI, and smart tech to analyse images, process data, determine the location of the crescent's birth and the possibility of its visibility.
Several astronomical centres and agencies across the country will coordinate to exchange expertise and strengthen the observation process. The committee also called on all members of the community, particularly those known as Al Shawwafs (traditional crescent moon sighters), to participate in the crescent moon sighting after sunset, and to submit their testimonies to the committee via official communication channels.
The committee meeting will be chaired by Sheikh Abdullah bin Bayyah, President of the UAE Council for Fatwa, and Dr Omar Habtoor Al Darei, Vice President of the Council, with the participation of experts in the fields of Sharia, astronomy and law.
Bd-pratidin English/Tanvir Raihan
