Dhul Hijjah crescent sighted; UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Oman confirm the beginning of the festive season and Hajj pilgrimage.
DUBAI — Official authorities across several Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nations have announced the commencement of the Islamic month of Dhul Hijjah, officially establishing the dates for the upcoming Eid Al Adha 2026 celebrations.
Following the successful sighting of the crescent moon on May 17, religious and astronomical authorities in the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, and Oman confirmed that the first day of Dhul Hijjah will correspond to Monday, May 18. Consequently, the first day of Eid Al Adha will be celebrated across these nations on Wednesday, May 27, 2026.
UAE and Saudi Arabia Confirm Moon Sighting
In the United Arab Emirates, the Emirates Fatwa Council verified the moon sighting, declaring the start of the holy month. Supporting this declaration, the UAE-based International Astronomical Centre released the first telescopic image of the Dhul Hijjah crescent.
Concurrently, authorities in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia confirmed the sighting, establishing May 18 as the first day of the month. This timeline sets the pivotal Day of Arafah—the pinnacle of the annual Hajj pilgrimage—on Tuesday, May 26, followed by the commencement of Eid Al Adha on May 27. The announcement marks the final phase of preparations in Saudi Arabia as the Kingdom prepares to welcome millions of global pilgrims to the holy sites in Makkah and Madinah.
Oman Aligns with Regional Celebrations
In Muscat, the Ministry of Endowments and Religious Affairs, as reported by local media including the Times of Oman, similarly confirmed the sighting of the crescent. Ground observations aligned perfectly with regional neighbors, securing a unified celebration date for Omanis and expatriates alike, with Arafah Day observed on May 26 and Eid festivities starting on May 27.
The uniform dates across these major GCC states have sparked a wave of anticipation among residents and the vast expatriate community. Livestock markets across the region are experiencing high traffic as families prepare for the traditional sacrificial rituals, family gatherings, and community feasts that characterize one of Islam’s holiest observances.
