On the evening of Sunday, September 7, 2025, skywatchers across the UAE are set to witness one of the longest total lunar eclipses in recent memory, with 82 minutes of deep red totality. The International Astronomical Centre will stream the entire celestial event live from Al-Khattm Astronomical Observatory, making it accessible to a global audience.
A celestial event made visible across the UAE
The International Astronomical Centre confirmed that it will livestream the total lunar eclipse using a telescope stationed at the Al-Khattm Astronomical Observatory. The broadcast is scheduled to run for more than four hours, from 7:30 PM to 11:50 PM GST, providing uninterrupted real-time coverage of the phenomenon. According to Engineer Mohammed Shawkat Odah, Director of the International Astronomical Centre, the eclipse will unfold in several distinct stages:
- Penumbral Eclipse Begins: 7:28 PM
- Partial Eclipse Begins: 8:27 PM
- Total Eclipse Begins: 9:31 PM
- Maximum Eclipse (Deepest Red): 10:12 PM
- Total Eclipse Ends: 10:53 PM
- Partial Eclipse Ends: 11:57 PM
- Penumbral Eclipse Ends: 12:55 AM (September 8)
Odah noted that the most visually dramatic period — when the Moon turns a striking shade of red — will last 82 minutes, making it one of the longest total lunar eclipses in recent years. This stage, known as totality, will be clearly visible to the naked eye across all seven emirates from 9:30 PM to 10:52 PM GST. Additionally, Odah stated that the phenomenon can be observed at different stages across the Arab region depending on geographic location:
- In the eastern Arab world, the Moon will have already risen before the eclipse begins.
- In central areas, the eclipse will start while the Moon is ascending.
- In the western part, the Moon will rise during the latter stages of the eclipse.
What makes this eclipse significant
A total lunar eclipse occurs when the Earth moves directly between the Sun and the Moon, casting its central shadow (umbra) onto the Moon. During this alignment, sunlight passes through Earth’s atmosphere, which filters out blue light and allows red tones to reach the Moon’s surface. This atmospheric refraction creates the phenomenon commonly known as a Blood Moon. Two aspects make tonight’s event particularly remarkable:
- Duration: The eclipse’s totality spans 82 minutes, placing it among the longest in recent years.
- Global Visibility: The event will be visible to approximately 87% of the world’s population, including millions across the Arab world.
The Moon will not completely disappear during totality. Instead, it will take on shades of orange, red, or yellow, depending on atmospheric conditions. According to Odah, the color intensity is a reflection of atmospheric purity. Increased pollution, for instance, can cause the Moon to appear dark red or brown. In rare instances, such as the December 12, 1992 eclipse (influenced by the 1991 eruption of Mount Pinatubo in the Philippines), the Moon has vanished entirely from view during totality.
Total visibility across all Emirates
The total eclipse phase, where the Moon is fully immersed in the Earth’s umbra, will be uniformly visible across all seven emirates. The timings for the totality are consistent nationwide:
| Emirate | Start of Totality | End of Totality |
|---|---|---|
| Abu Dhabi | 9:30 PM | 10:52 PM |
| Dubai | 9:30 PM | 10:52 PM |
| Sharjah | 9:30 PM | 10:52 PM |
| Ajman | 9:30 PM | 10:52 PM |
| Fujairah | 9:30 PM | 10:52 PM |
| Ras Al Khaimah | 9:30 PM | 10:52 PM |
| Umm Al Quwain | 9:30 PM | 10:52 PM |
The Moon’s changing appearance, from bright white to glowing red, will be clearly visible without the need for telescopes, although observatories and livestreams will offer detailed views.
What comes next
Looking ahead, skywatchers in the UAE can mark their calendars for future lunar events:
- Partial Lunar Eclipse: July 6, 2028
- Next Total Lunar Eclipse Visible in UAE: December 31, 2028
The next total eclipse will coincide with New Year’s Eve, setting the stage for another dramatic Blood Moon — this time, during year-end celebrations.