This year, Ramadan began with an unusual coincidence—both the Islamic (Hijri) and Gregorian months started on the same day. In most of the Islamic world, Ramadan commenced on Saturday, March 1, 2025, aligning precisely with the beginning of the Gregorian month.

However, variations in the declaration of Ramadan’s start persisted across different regions. Countries like Iran, parts of Iraq, Yemen, and Lebanon observed the first day of fasting on Sunday, March 2, 2025.

The First Use of Drones for Moon Sighting

For the first time, AI-powered drones were used to aid in the sighting of the Ramadan crescent in the UAE. Speaking to Gulf News, astronomer Ibrahim Al-Jarwan explained that this pioneering initiative positioned the UAE at the forefront of technological advancements in moon sighting. A fleet of drones was deployed to frame the exact location of the crescent, moving in sync with the moon’s position to assist observers in spotting it more accurately.

Most Arab nations followed astronomical predictions and declared Ramadan’s start on March 1. However, greater variations are anticipated when determining the beginning of Shawwal, marking the end of Ramadan.

Methods for Determining the Start of the Hijri Month

Al-Jarwan detailed the two primary methods used to determine the beginning of an Islamic month:

1. Visual Moon Sighting – This traditional method involves searching for the crescent moon after sunset on the 29th day of the Hijri month. If the moon is not visible—either to the naked eye or through telescopes—the month is completed as 30 days. Visibility is often challenging due to the moon’s proximity to the sun, residual sunlight, and the small illuminated portion of the crescent. Most Islamic countries still rely on this method.

2. Astronomical Calculations – This approach uses precise mathematical models to determine the exact moment when the moon separates from the sun and becomes visible from Earth. Similar to how prayer times are calculated, this method eliminates the need for direct observation. Many scholars argue that if calculations confirm the new month’s beginning, moon sighting is unnecessary. Using this technique, lunar month beginnings can be predicted with remarkable accuracy years—or even centuries—in advance.

Longer Fasting Hours

The UAE’s National Centre for Meteorology highlighted that March marks the transition from winter to spring, with rising temperatures in the latter half of the month. Astronomically, spring begins on March 21, when the sun aligns with the equator before shifting northward toward the Tropic of Cancer.

At the start of Ramadan, fasting hours in the UAE were approximately 13 hours, increasing gradually as the month progresses. By the end of Ramadan, the fasting duration will extend to about 13 hours and 41 minutes in Abu Dhabi and nearby areas, with slight regional variations.

Weather forecasts suggest moderate daytime temperatures throughout the month, with slight warming in the second half. The nights will remain relatively cool, especially in the early weeks, with noticeable cold before dawn.