Suhail star appears as UAE summer heat begins gradual seasonal retreat

The Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department in Dubai IACAD announced that their observation team successfully documented the rise of the star Suhail (Canopus) at dawn on Saturday and Sunday, August 22 and 23, 2026. This was achieved using astronomical photography and binoculars as part of their ongoing efforts to monitor celestial events related to prayer times and the creation of the annual Islamic calendar.

The observation team, which included members from the Dubai Crescent Sighting Committee, featured Dr. Hamad Mohammed Saleh, Dr. Mohammed Ahmed Al Kamali, Tariq Yahya Al Kamali, and Tamim Al Tamimi, who also serves as the Director of the Emirates Astronomical Society.

Dr. Hamad Mohammed Saleh, who heads the Prayer Times and Crescent Sighting Section and led the observation team, mentioned that the monitoring occurred over two days to duly document the star's appearance.

The team managed to capture the star Suhail in photographs at 5:21 AM on Saturday, August 22, from the Jebel Hafeet Desert Park Reserve and continued until 5:51 AM. The star remained invisible to the naked eye or even with binoculars.

Dr. Hamad Mohammed Saleh, who heads the Prayer Times and Crescent Sighting Section and led the observation team, mentioned that the monitoring occurred over two days to duly document the star's appearance.

The team managed to capture the star Suhail in photographs at 5:21 AM on Saturday, August 22, from the Jebel Hafeet Desert Park Reserve and continued until 5:51 AM. The star remained invisible to the naked eye or even with binoculars.