If you’ve ever wanted to witness a moonrise so rare it won’t happen again until 2043, your chance is coming this week. The Strawberry Moon, the last full Moon of Spring 2025, will light up the UAE sky on Wednesday, June 11, and it’s set to be one of the lowest full moons you’ll see for decades.

Why It’s Called the Strawberry Moon

While the name might suggest a pinkish hue, don’t expect the Moon to blush. It gets its name from the strawberry harvest season in North America. Here in the UAE, it’ll appear golden or orange, especially just after moonrise, thanks to its low position near the horizon.

Key Times for UAE Skywatchers

• Moonrise: 7:32pm, Wednesday, June 11
• Moonset: 5:55am, Thursday, June 12

Here’s Where to Watch in the UAE

No need for fancy equipment, for this is a naked-eye event.
Best spots:

• Desert dunes
• Beaches like Al Sufouh or JBR
• Rooftops with a clear eastern view
• Al Qudra or Hatta, if you want a scenic night out

Clear skies will offer the best views, but even in the city, you’ll see it if buildings aren’t blocking your eastern horizon.

What Makes This Moon Special

This isn’t just any full Moon; it coincides with a Great Lunar Standstill, a phenomenon that happens once every 18.6 years. That means:

• For the UAE and Northern Hemisphere, it’s the lowest full Moon in nearly two decades, hugging the horizon all night.
• In the Southern Hemisphere, they’re seeing their highest full Moon.

🔭 Pro Tips for Viewing

• Bring binoculars or a telescope to enhance the view, but they’re not essential.
• Capture the moment on camera, especially as the Moon peeks over the horizon in glowing amber.
• Stay a little later if you’re outside; moon photography is best after 7:45pm as it climbs higher.

Why This Matters

If you miss this one, you’ll have to wait until 2043 to see another full Moon this low in the sky.