On September 7, 2025, the UAE will witness an 82-minute total lunar eclipse, turning the Moon a vivid red/Image: DAG
A dramatic and unusually long total lunar eclipse will light up the skies above the UAE on the night of September 7, 2025, turning the Moon a deep red during an 82-minute totality — one of the longest such events in recent years. The eclipse, visible across much of the globe, will offer residents and global viewers a rare chance to witness a breathtaking astronomical display, with public events and global livestreams planned.
What is happening: A deep dive into the Blood Moon
On September 7, 2025, the UAE will experience a total lunar eclipse, an event in which the Earth positions itself precisely between the Sun and the Moon, casting its shadow fully across the lunar surface. This alignment causes the Moon to turn a red, copper, or orange hue — a phenomenon popularly known as the Blood Moon.This reddish color results from sunlight being refracted through Earth’s atmosphere, which filters out shorter blue wavelengths and allows the longer red tones to reach the Moon’s surface.What makes this eclipse especially notable is the length of totality, lasting a full 82 minutes, and the overall eclipse duration of nearly five and a half hours, one of the longest in recent memory. According to the Dubai Astronomy Group (DAG), the event is not only rare for its duration but also for its global visibility, potentially viewable by 87% of the world’s population.
Exact timings and phases of the eclipse in the UAE
The lunar eclipse will unfold gradually through several distinct phases. Each stage offers a different visual experience, and residents in the UAE will be able to observe the entire sequence clearly:
| Phase | Time (UAE local time) | What Happens |
| Penumbral eclipse begins | 7:28 PM, Sept 7 | Subtle dimming as Moon enters Earth’s outer shadow; hard to detect by naked eye |
| Partial eclipse begins | 8:27 PM | A visible “bite” appears as Moon enters the umbra |
| Total eclipse begins | 9:30 PM | Moon is completely covered by Earth’s full shadow |
| Maximum eclipse | 10:12 PM | Blood Moon reaches peak red coloration |
| Total eclipse ends | 10:53 PM | Moon begins emerging from full shadow |
| Partial eclipse ends | 11:56 PM | Only penumbral shadow remains |
| Penumbral eclipse ends | 12:55 AM, Sept 8 | Eclipse ends as Moon exits Earth’s shadow |
The most visually dramatic moment, totality, will occur between 9:30 PM and 10:53 PM, when the Moon is fully engulfed in Earth’s umbra and glows with intense red shades depending on atmospheric conditions.
Where and how to watch in the UAE and beyond
For the public, the Dubai Astronomy Group will organize a special viewing event in Dubai, allowing residents and tourists to gather and witness the phenomenon together. Details about the event venue and activities are expected to be announced soon. A standout moment will be a carefully planned photo opportunity: a Blood Moon rising behind the Burj Khalifa, captured in collaboration with renowned photographer Rami Dibo.To ensure global accessibility, DAG will also host a livestream of the full eclipse. The broadcast will feature:
- Views from Dubai with the iconic Burj Khalifa as the backdrop
- Live feeds from partners across six continents, including:
- Al Sadeem Astronomy in Abu Dhabi
- Perth Observatory in Australia
- Space India and other international collaborators
This global streaming effort aims to bring together astronomy enthusiasts worldwide for a shared celestial experience.
Viewing tips and future eclipses
Safe viewingUnlike solar eclipses, lunar eclipses are safe to view with the naked eye — no protective glasses or filters are needed. However, for those wanting an enhanced viewing experience, DAG recommends the following:
- Use telescopes or binoculars to observe surface details and color transitions
- Choose a dark, open space away from city lights for optimal visibility
- Check local weather forecasts to avoid cloud-covered skies
For photography enthusiasts
- Use a tripod to stabilize your camera or smartphone
- Consider long exposure settings for capturing deeper red hues
- Smartphone users can use adapters for telescopic lenses for improved shots
What’s next?If you miss this eclipse, there are a few more chances in the coming years:
- Partial Lunar Eclipse: July 6, 2028 — a portion of the Moon will pass through Earth’s shadow
- Next Total Lunar Eclipse visible from UAE: December 31, 2028 — coinciding with New Year’s Eve, offering another spectacular display
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