The biggest and brightest supermoon of the year appeared in the UAE’s skies on Wednesday night.
The third supermoon of four expected this year, Wednesday's moon had the closest approach to Earth and was visible around the world.
It appeared across the Emirates from 6.07pm on Wednesday and could be seen with the naked eye.
It was 357,418 kilometres away, compared to the average distance of 384,472km.
The first supermoon appeared on May 16, at a distance of 362,127km from the Earth.
A second took place on June 14, which was 357,658km away, and the last one will be on August 12.
A supermoon refers to when the Moon’s orbit is closest to Earth at the same time as a full Moon.
“At its closest point, the full moon appears about 17 per cent bigger and 30 per cent brighter than the faintest moon of the year, which occurs when it’s farthest from Earth in its orbit,” the US space agency Nasa said.
“Even though 17 per cent doesn’t make a big difference in detectable size, a full supermoon is a bit brighter than other moons throughout the year.”
The next supermoon will be at a distance of 361,409km.
Timeline
2012-2015
The company offers payments/bribes to win key contracts in the Middle East
May 2017
The UK SFO officially opens investigation into Petrofac’s use of agents, corruption, and potential bribery to secure contracts
September 2021
Petrofac pleads guilty to seven counts of failing to prevent bribery under the UK Bribery Act
October 2021
Court fines Petrofac £77 million for bribery. Former executive receives a two-year suspended sentence
December 2024
Petrofac enters into comprehensive restructuring to strengthen the financial position of the group
May 2025
The High Court of England and Wales approves the company’s restructuring plan
July 2025
The Court of Appeal issues a judgment challenging parts of the restructuring plan
August 2025
Petrofac issues a business update to execute the restructuring and confirms it will appeal the Court of Appeal decision
October 2025
Petrofac loses a major TenneT offshore wind contract worth €13 billion. Holding company files for administration in the UK. Petrofac delisted from the London Stock Exchange
November 2025
180 Petrofac employees laid off in the UAE
Sleep Well Beast
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The bio
Favourite book: Peter Rabbit. I used to read it to my three children and still read it myself. If I am feeling down it brings back good memories.
Best thing about your job: Getting to help people. My mum always told me never to pass up an opportunity to do a good deed.
Best part of life in the UAE: The weather. The constant sunshine is amazing and there is always something to do, you have so many options when it comes to how to spend your day.
Favourite holiday destination: Malaysia. I went there for my honeymoon and ended up volunteering to teach local children for a few hours each day. It is such a special place and I plan to retire there one day.
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