The UAE made history on the evening of 28 February 2025 when it became the first country in the world to use AI-powered drones for Ramadan moon sighting. The Ramadan Crescent Moon Sighting Committee, operating under the UAE Council for Fatwa, deployed drones fitted with high-precision lenses to search for the crescent that marks the start of the holy month.
World-First UAE AI Drone Moon Sighting Initiative
Several drones rose more than 300 metres above the Al-Khatim Astronomical Observatory, directed toward the expected position of the moon based on precise astronomical calculations. The artificial intelligence system on board analysed images in real time and processed data to determine the crescent's location and the likelihood of its visibility.
The Council for Fatwa stated that the drone observation is considered an extension of "direct vision" — the method rooted in the tradition of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) — affirming that the technology does not contradict Islamic jurisprudence but rather strengthens its accuracy.
How AI Drones Work Alongside Traditional Methods
The AI drones did not replace traditional moon-sighting practices. Instead, they worked in parallel with three complementary methods:
- Naked-eye observation by citizens and residents across the UAE - Astronomical observatories equipped with advanced telescopes - Scientific data analysis from national institutions and specialised research centres
This layered approach was designed to minimise errors and overcome atmospheric challenges that can obstruct visual sightings.
UAE Fatwa Council: Innovation in Service of Tradition
The Fatwa Council described the initiative as a demonstration of "the country's leadership in adopting innovative technological solutions as it combines modern advancements with traditional practices." The project involved UAE national institutions alongside specialised research facilities operating modern scientific observatories.
The International Astronomy Centre had predicted that 1 March 2025 was the most likely start date for Ramadan — a forecast confirmed when the crescent was successfully sighted.
A New Global Benchmark for Moon Sighting
The UAE's use of AI drone technology for the Ramadan moon sighting sets a new worldwide benchmark for astronomical accuracy in Islamic practice. By uniting centuries-old religious tradition with 21st-century drone and AI technology, the UAE reinforces its standing as a global leader in technology-driven governance — while keeping faith at the centre of the exercise.
