Suhail Star to Mark the Start of Seasonal Change in Qatar on August 24

Doha, Qatar — 21 August 2025 — The Qatari Calendar House announced that the Suhail star (Canopus) will be visible in Qatar’s skies on Sunday, August 24, 2025, coinciding with 1st Rabi’ al-Awwal 1447 AH, marking the start of the Suhail season across Qatar and much of the GCC.

According to Eng. Faisal Al-Ansari, Executive Director of the Qatari Calendar House, residents of the Gulf region eagerly anticipate Suhail’s appearance each year because it signals the end of intense summer heat. The 52-day Suhail season marks a period when:

• 🌙 Nights become longer and cooler

• 🌞 Days gradually shorten

• 🌧️ Chances of rainfall increase

• 💨 Hot desert winds, known as Al-Simoom, begin to fade

Dr. Bashir Marzouk, astronomical expert at the Qatari Calendar House, explained that Suhail will be visible toward the southern horizon during the first week of September, and can be spotted using Sirius (Al-Shi’ra al-Yamaniya) — the brightest star in the night sky — as a reference point.

The annual rising of Suhail is significant for Arab culture and heritage, influencing many aspects of traditional life:

• 🌾 Farmers prepare their lands for the rainy season

• 🏜️ Bedouins plan grazing and travel routes

• ⚓ Sailors historically used it for navigation and fishing schedules

Astronomically, Suhail is the brightest star in the Carina constellation and the second-brightest star in the night sky after Sirius, located about 300 light-years away from Earth.