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 MoonOn 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 UAEThe 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:PhaseTime (UAE local time)What HappensPenumbral eclipse begins7:28 PM, Sept 7Subtle dimming as Moon enters Earth’s outer shadow; hard to detect by naked eyePartial eclipse begins8:27 PMA visible “bite” appears as Moon enters the umbraTotal eclipse begins9:30 PMMoon is completely covered by Earth’s full shadowMaximum eclipse10:12 PMBlood Moon reaches peak red colorationTotal eclipse ends10:53 PMMoon begins emerging from full shadowPartial eclipse ends11:56 PMOnly penumbral shadow remainsPenumbral eclipse ends12:55 AM, Sept 8Eclipse ends as Moon exits Earth’s shadowThe 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 backdropLive feeds from partners across six continents, including:Al Sadeem Astronomy in Abu DhabiPerth Observatory in AustraliaSpace India and other international collaboratorsThis 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 transitionsChoose a dark, open space away from city lights for optimal visibilityCheck local weather forecasts to avoid cloud-covered skiesFor photography enthusiastsUse a tripod to stabilize your camera or smartphoneConsider long exposure settings for capturing deeper red huesSmartphone users can use adapters for telescopic lenses for improved shotsWhat’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 shadowNext Total Lunar Eclipse visible from UAE: December 31, 2028 — coinciding with New Year’s Eve, offering another spectacular display