The first day of Eid Al Adha this year is expected to coincide with the annual rising of Pleiades, known across the Gulf as Thuraya, creating a rare convergence of astronomical observation, seasonal tradition, and cultural heritage in the UAE and wider Arab region.
The alignment has drawn attention among astronomy enthusiasts, heritage researchers, and meteorology observers because Thuraya historically signalled the arrival of the intense summer “qayz” season across the Arabian Peninsula. Moreover, this year’s event overlaps with the annual solar alignment directly above the Kaaba in Mecca, a phenomenon long associated with determining the Qibla direction by shadow observation.
“The first day of Eid Al Adha this year is expected to coincide with the rising of the ‘Thuraya’ star cluster, a rare astronomical and cultural alignment that has historically signalled the arrival of intense summer heat and seasonal change across the UAE and the wider Gulf region.”
Historically, Emirati and Arab communities relied heavily on celestial observation systems to track weather cycles, navigation routes, and seasonal transitions. Consequently, Thuraya became one of the most culturally significant astronomical markers in Gulf heritage, particularly for desert travellers, sailors, and pearl divers.
Thuraya Remains Central to Emirati Maritime and Seasonal Traditions
Known internationally as the Pleiades cluster, Thuraya appears as a tightly packed group of bright stars, often mistaken for a single celestial body. In addition, the cluster played a major role in traditional Emirati maritime culture, where sailors used its position to guide fishing expeditions, pearl-diving voyages, and long-distance sea navigation.
“Known internationally as the Pleiades cluster, Thuraya has long held deep significance in Emirati and Arab culture, where communities historically relied on stars to track seasons, forecast weather patterns, and guide travel across the desert and sea long before modern forecasting systems existed.”
Heritage researchers note that the appearance of Thuraya traditionally marked the beginning of the Gulf’s summer season, characterised by increasing temperatures and humidity, especially along coastal regions. Therefore, the celestial event functioned both as an environmental indicator and a social marker tied to agricultural and maritime rhythms.
The period also historically coincided with the emergence of early date harvests, particularly the Naghal variety, which many Emiratis associate with the transition into peak summer conditions.
“In Emirati maritime heritage, it was closely associated with pearl diving seasons, fishing expeditions, and long-distance sea travel, with sailors using it as a navigational reference and indicator of seasonal wind shifts.”
Kaaba Solar Alignment Revives Traditional Navigation Practices
This year’s Thuraya rising also coincides with the annual solar alignment directly above the Kaaba around midday on 27 May. During the event, shadows momentarily disappear within Mecca as the sun aligns vertically above the structure.
“For centuries, Muslims across the world have used this alignment to determine the direction of the Qibla with exceptional precision by observing the direction of shadows at the exact moment of alignment.”
According to heritage observers cited in regional reports, residents across the UAE can still use the alignment to identify the Qibla direction by observing the shadow cast from an upright object during the precise alignment period. Furthermore, the technique reflects traditional navigational systems used long before the introduction of compasses and satellite-based positioning technologies.
Meteorology specialists also expect Thuraya’s arrival this year to coincide with a hotter summer season, following unusually early temperature increases recorded across the UAE in May. As a result, the astronomical event continues to hold relevance not only within heritage traditions but also within contemporary seasonal observation and public interest in Gulf environmental cycles.