Muslims in Saudi Arabia are preparing to sight the Dhul Hijjah crescent moon on Saturday, corresponding to the 29th day of Dhu al-Qadah 1447 AH, a development that will determine the dates for Eid Al-Adha 2026 and this year's Hajj pilgrimage.
According to a report by Khaleej Times, the sighting of the crescent moon will officially mark the beginning of Dhul Hijjah, the final month of the Islamic calendar, during which Hajj rituals and Eid Al-Adha are observed.
If the crescent is sighted on May 16, Dhul Hijjah will begin on Sunday. In that case, Youm-e-Arafat or Arafat Day will fall on May 25, while Eid Al-Adha will be celebrated on May 26 in Saudi Arabia and several Gulf nations.
However, if the moon is not sighted, Dhu al-Qadah will complete 30 days and Dhul Hijjah will begin on Monday, shifting Arafat Day to May 26 and Eid Al-Adha to May 27.
The Supreme Court of Saudi Arabia has once again appealed to residents across the Kingdom to participate in moon sighting efforts. "... anyone seeing the Moon by the naked eye or the telescope to notify the nearest court and register a testimony or contact the nearest center to help him reach the nearest court," the appeal issued by the Saudi Royal Court said.
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Saudi authorities typically rely on observatories in Sudair and Tumair to confirm the crescent sighting. The announcement is closely followed by Gulf countries including United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Kuwait and Jordan. Several Gulf nations have already announced provisional Eid holidays assuming Eid Al-Adha will likely fall on May 27.
Meanwhile, Muslims in India, Pakistan and Bangladesh are expected to look for the Dhul Hijjah moon on Sunday in line with the lunar calendar followed across the Indian subcontinent.
If the crescent is sighted in India on May 17, Dhul Hijjah will begin on May 18 and Bakrid or Eid-Ul-Adha will likely be observed on May 27. In case weather conditions prevent visibility, Eid could shift to May 28. Official announcements are expected from regional Ruet-e-Hilal committees in cities, including Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad and Lucknow.
Separately, Khaleej Times reported that Dubai's Department of Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities has invited residents to attend a public moon-sighting event at Jebel Nazwa on May 17. The initiative aims to familiarise residents with the traditional and scientific methods used to confirm Islamic lunar months.
According to the Sharjah Academy for Astronomy, Space Sciences and Technology, May 27 is expected to be the first day of Eid Al-Adha in the UAE, with Arafat Day likely falling on May 26.
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