The Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department (IACAD) in Dubai has confirmed the successful observation of the Suhail star, also known as Canopus, at dawn on August 22 and 23, 2026. This celestial event, which traditionally marks the start of a gradual decline in summer temperatures, was recorded using specialized astronomical photography and binoculars. The initiative is part of the department’s broader commitment to monitoring celestial movements, which are essential for determining prayer times and developing the annual Islamic calendar.
The observation mission was conducted by a specialized team from the Dubai Crescent Sighting Committee. The group included Dr. Hamad Mohammed Saleh, who leads the Prayer Times and Crescent Sighting Section and directed the team, alongside Dr. Mohammed Ahmed Al Kamali, Tariq Yahya Al Kamali, and Tamim Al Tamimi, the latter of whom also serves as the Director of the Emirates Astronomical Society.
During the operation, the team successfully captured photographic evidence of the star at 5:21 AM on Saturday, August 22, from the Jebel Hafeet Desert Park Reserve, with monitoring efforts continuing until 5:51 AM. According to the team, the star remained elusive to the naked eye and could not be detected through binoculars alone, necessitating the use of advanced photographic equipment to document its rise.