Eid al-Adha 2026 RECAP: When Dhul Hijjah will start after Saudi Arabia moon sighting

Morocco has announced it will celebrate Eid al-Adha on May 27.

The ministry carried out the sighting of the crescent moon for Eid Al Adha 2026 today, announcing that the first day of Dhu al-Hijjah, the last month in the Islamic calendar, will fall on Monday.

The ministry reported that the crescent moon sighting for Dhu al-Hijjah was clear.

Government employees will be granted leave from Monday, May 25 until Friday, May 29, with normal working hours resuming on Monday, June 1.

Private schools in Dubai will also close from Monday, May 25 until Friday, May 29, it was previously announced.

The Arabic word عيد (ʿīd) means 'festival', 'celebration', 'feast day', or 'holiday'.

The word عيد is a triliteral root (ʕ-y-d), with associated root meanings of "to go back, to rescind, to accrue, to be accustomed, habits, to repeat, to be experienced; appointed time or place, anniversary, feast day".

The announcement has been made for Eid Al_Adha in Australia by the Imams Council.

The United Arab Emirates, represented by the UAE Fatwa Council, announced the sighting of the crescent moon of Dhu al-Hijjah 1447 AH on Sunday evening, May 17, 2026, after the completion of the necessary legal and astronomical observations across the various emirates.Therefore, Monday, May 18, 2026, will be the first day of Dhu al-Hijjah. The first day of Eid al-Adha will be Wednesday, May 27, 2026.

Dhul Hijjah will begin tomorrow after the crescent moon was "observed in many parts of the UK", the Sunni Moonsighting Board has announced.

This means Eid will fall on May 27.

Morocco’s Ministry of Islamic Affairs announced on Sunday that Eid Al Adha will take place on May 27.

Eid-al Adha is celebrated for three days. 

India has announced the first day of Eid will be on May 28.

Following no confirmed reports of moon-sighting the United Ulama Council of South Africa (UUCSA) has determined that Eid-ul-Adha will be on Thursday May 28.

Although the crescent moon was not sighted in other Indian states, Jammu and Kashmir that the Dhul Hijjah moon has been observed. 

s a result, the festival will be celebrated in the union territory on May 27.

Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have also confirmed the sighting of Dhul Hijjah crescent.

The festival will be observed in these countries on Wednesday, May 27.

Here is a list of the important dates:

Saudi Arabia has officially confirmed the sighting of the Dhul Hijjah crescent moon.

This means the final month of the Islamic lunar calendar will begin tomorrow, and Eid al-Adha will be observed on Wednesday, May 27.

The crescent of Dhul Hijjah has been sighted in Oman, it has been confirmed that the first day of Eid Al Adha will be on Wednesday May 27 2026.

The Dhul Hijjah crescent has not been sighted India.

Eid al-Adha will be observed in India on Thursday May 28.

Saudi Arabia is expected to announce the official sighting of the Dhul Hijjah moon in just under an hours time at 4.35pm.

This announcement will confirm the start of Dhul Hijjah and determine the dates for both Hajj and Eid al-Adha, with many Muslim countries likely to follow Saudi Arabia’s decision.

Brunei, a tiny nation on the island of Borneo, has declared that the crescent moon was not sighted.

This means Monday May 18, 2026 will be the completion of Dhu Al Hijjah.

Tuesday May 19 2026 will be the first day of Dhu Al Hijjah.

The country will mark Eid Al Adha on Thursday May 28.

Indonesia has declared that Monday, May 18, 2026, marks the beginning of Dhu al-Hijjah, with Eid al-Adha set to be observed on Wednesday, May 27, 2026.

Malaysia has announced that May 18 is the first day of Dhul Hijjah. It means Malaysian Muslims will celebrate Eid on May 27.

A live broadcast from the Seal Astronomical Observatory in Abu Dhabi has been set up as astronomers attempt to sight the Dhul Hijjah crescent moon.

The observatory, which is affiliated with the International Astronomy Center, will monitor the sky on Sunday, May 17 ahead of the official Eid al-Adha announcements across several Muslim-majority countries.

Sunset in Abu Dhabi is expected at 6.57pm local time, with astronomers expected to begin observations shortly afterwards.

The live strem can be viewed at @AstronomyCenter X account.

Brunei has confirmed that the Dhul Hijjah crescent moon was not sighted during the country’s official observation process.

The Sultanate of Brunei announced that May 18 will complete the month of Dhul Qa’dah, meaning Dhul Hijjah will now begin on May 19.

As a result, Eid al-Adha in Brunei is expected to begin on Thursday, May 28, a day later than in some other Muslim-majority countries which confirmed the crescent moon sighting on Sunday evening.

Indonesia has announced that Eid al-Adha 2026 will begin on Wednesday, May 27.

Meanwhile, Malaysia has confirmed that Monday, May 18, will mark the first day of Dhul Hijjah following the official moon sighting process.

The sighting of the Dhul Hijjah crescent moon will determine the dates for both Hajj and Eid al-Adha, with Saudi Arabia’s decision expected to be announced at around 4.35pm UK time, according to Saudi-based news account Inside the Haramain.

The New Crescent Society says Eid al-Adha 2026 is expected to fall on Wednesday, May 27 for many Muslims across the UK.

The group predicts that mosques following Saudi Arabia, Morocco and local UK moon sightings are all likely to observe Eid on the same date this year.

According to the organisation, Saudi Arabia is expected to search for the Dhul Hijjah crescent moon on Sunday, May 17, after shifting its official moon sighting date from May 16.

The group said the crescent moon is expected to be visible in Saudi Arabia on Sunday evening. Morocco is also due to carry out its moon sighting process on the same day.

Some Muslim groups in the UK say this year could bring a rare “united Eid” because moon sighting dates are expected to align locally, in Morocco and in Saudi Arabia.

The New Crescent Society said different mosques in Britain often follow moon sightings from different countries, which can lead to communities celebrating Eid on separate days.

However, astronomical conditions this year mean many of the commonly followed moon sighting regions are expected to begin Dhul Hijjah on the same date.

The group says this could allow many Muslims in the UK to celebrate Eid al-Adha together on Wednesday, May 27.

It added that some countries, including Australia and South Africa, may still celebrate Eid on May 28 because the crescent moon may not be visible there on Sunday evening.

Many Muslim-majority countries are closely watching Saudi Arabia’s official Dhul Hijjah moon sighting announcement before confirming their own Eid al-Adha dates.

The beginning of Dhul Hijjah determines the timing of both Hajj and Eid al-Adha across countries that follow the Islamic lunar calendar.

Many nations wait for Saudi Arabia’s decision because Hajj takes place in the kingdom, with key Islamic events such as the Day of Arafah linked directly to the pilgrimage in Mecca. Eid al-Adha begins the day after Arafah.

If Saudi Arabia officially confirms the crescent moon sighting, Dhul Hijjah is expected to begin on May 18, placing Day of Arafah on May 26 and Eid al-Adha on May 27.

Some countries, including Tunisia and Turkey, have already announced expected Eid dates, while others are waiting for Saudi Arabia’s official decision before making final confirmations.

Pakistan’s space agency SUPARCO says Eid al-Adha 2026 is likely to begin on Wednesday, May 27 based on astronomical calculations.

According to the agency, the new moon of Dhul Hijjah 1447 AH is expected to be born on May 17, with conditions potentially supporting visibility in parts of Pakistan if skies remain clear.

SUPARCO said Monday, May 18, is likely to mark the first day of Dhul Hijjah.

However, Pakistan has not yet officially confirmed Eid dates, with the final decision expected from the country’s Ruet-e-Hilal moon sighting committee following the official observation process.

Muslims across the UK are preparing for public Dhul Hijjah moon sighting gatherings tonight as communities attempt to spot the crescent moon after sunset.

The New Crescent Society has announced organised moon sighting events in cities and regions including Bradford, Birmingham, Cardiff, Glasgow, Leeds, Leicester, Luton, Nottingham, Reading and South London.

The gatherings are set to take place after sunset on Sunday evening, with organisers encouraging attendees to share crescent moon photographs if sightings are successful.

Some Muslim communities in Britain rely on local moon sightings to determine the start of Islamic months, while others follow official announcements from Saudi Arabia.

Some Muslim-majority countries are able to announce expected Eid al-Adha and Dhul Hijjah dates earlier than others because they use different methods to determine the Islamic calendar.

Countries such as Saudi Arabia traditionally wait for an official crescent moon sighting after sunset before confirming the start of a new Islamic month.

However, Turkey relies on a pre-calculated Islamic calendar based on astronomical data rather than physical moon sightings, allowing authorities to publish dates well in advance.

Qatar has also shared expected Eid dates using astronomical calculations ahead of the official moon sighting process.

Iran uses its own moon-sighting system through the Estehlal Headquarters, which deploys observation teams across the country to monitor the crescent moon.

Because countries follow different religious and astronomical approaches, Eid dates can sometimes vary by a day between nations and communities.

Fireworks displays have not yet been announced for UAE Eid al-Adha celebrations this year.

Fireworks are usually a major part of Eid festivities in several countries, but many displays were cancelled during Eid al-Fitr earlier this year due to regional unrest.

No destinations have so far confirmed whether fireworks events.

The Supreme Court of Afghanistan has shared an official Dhul Hijjah 1447 AH calendar following the country’s moon sighting announcement.

Afghan authorities earlier confirmed that the Dhul Hijjah crescent moon was not sighted, meaning Monday, May 18, will mark the first day of the Islamic month in Afghanistan.

Under the announced schedule, Tuesday is expected to be observed as the Day of Arafah, while Eid al-Adha celebrations will begin nationwide on Wednesday.

The update was published on the Supreme Court of Afghanistan’s official X account alongside a calendar graphic for the sacred month of Dhul Hijjah.

Saudi Arabia has welcomed the first Iranian pilgrims arriving by air for this year’s Hajj pilgrimage, according to reports from AFP and Al Arabiya.

Saudi Arabia’s Hajj ministry told Al Arabiya that the first group of Iranian pilgrims had landed in the Kingdom ahead of the annual pilgrimage to Mecca. The report was later referenced by Al Arabiya English on X.

The arrival comes as Saudi Arabia and Iran continue improving diplomatic relations following the restoration of ties between the two countries in 2023.

Astronomers in Abu Dhabi say they have captured the first image of the Dhul Hijjah crescent moon ahead of tonight’s official moon sighting process.

The International Astronomy Center said the crescent was photographed during daylight hours on Sunday morning from the Khatm Astronomical Observatory.

According to the observatory, the moon was around nine hours old at the time of capture and positioned 7.8 degrees away from the sun.

Experts say the successful image capture could indicate favourable conditions for the official crescent moon sighting later this evening.

If the moon is officially confirmed after sunset, Monday, May 18, would mark the start of Dhul Hijjah, with Eid al-Adha expected to begin on May 27.

Qatar has announced the expected dates for Dhul Hijjah and Eid al-Adha 2026 using astronomical calculations ahead of the official moon sighting process.

Authorities said Monday, May 18, is expected to mark the first day of Dhul Hijjah 1447 AH, while Eid al-Adha is forecast to begin on Wednesday, May 27.

Several other Muslim-majority countries, including Saudi Arabia, are still expected to wait for the official crescent moon sighting on Sunday evening before confirming Eid dates.

Tunisia and Turkey have already announced the start date for Dhul Hijjah ahead of the official moon sighting process taking place in several other Muslim countries.

Both countries said Dhul Hijjah will begin on Monday, May 18, with Eid al-Adha expected to fall on Wednesday, May 27.

Many other countries, including Saudi Arabia, are still waiting for the official Dhul Hijjah moon sighting on Sunday evening before confirming their Eid dates.

Today marks the beginning of the final school week for many before students and teachers break for the Eid al-Adha holiday.

The UAE’s Astronomy Centre said the Dhul Hijjah crescent moon may be visible to the naked eye across parts of Central and Western Asia, North Africa and large areas of the Americas.

It added that telescope sightings could also be possible in parts of East Asia, southern Africa and southern South America.

Muslim countries around the world are preparing to sight the Dhul Hijjah crescent moon tonight.

If the crescent moon is officially sighted tonight, tomorrow will mark the first day of Dhul Hijjah, with Eid al-Adha expected to begin on Wednesday, May 27, 2026.

Azat TV stresses that Saudi Arabia’s call for the Dhul Hijjah crescent moon sighting on May 17 will have an impact on Hajj travel, Eid scheduling and preparations across the Muslim world.

The official announcement will determine the start of Dhul Hijjah, helping authorities, travel operators and pilgrims finalise Hajj timetables and Eid al-Adha arrangements.

If the crescent moon is officially confirmed, Eid al-Adha is expected to begin on May 27.

Cloud cover and poor visibility in some regions could make it more difficult for observers to confirm the crescent moon tonight. Astronomy groups have warned that local weather conditions may play a major role in whether sightings are successfully recorded in different countries.

Several Gulf nations, including Saudi Arabia, are expected to be among the first countries to issue official moon sighting announcements tonight. Muslim communities across Europe, Asia and Australia are likely to follow developments closely as they await guidance from their own local religious authorities.

The time in Saudi Arabia is approaching 7am

The night before Eid is often filled with preparation and celebration as families buy gifts, prepare meals and organise outfits for morning prayers. Many Muslims also spend time in prayer and reflection ahead of the holiday, while mosques prepare for large Eid gatherings expected the following day.

Moon sightings are traditionally confirmed by trusted witnesses who report seeing the crescent moon after sunset. In many countries, religious councils review these testimonies before issuing an official declaration. Some authorities also work alongside astronomers and observatories to support the process.

If the crescent moon is not sighted this evening, Islamic authorities may decide to complete another full day of the lunar month before Eid begins. This process is followed in many countries and is part of the traditional method used to determine important Islamic dates. Official announcements are expected once observations have concluded.

Eid Al-Adha is determined by the Islamic lunar calendar, meaning the date depends on the sighting of the crescent moon. Some countries rely on local moon sightings while others follow announcements from Saudi Arabia or regional Islamic authorities. Because of this, Muslims in different parts of the world can occasionally celebrate Eid on different days.

Saudi Arabia’s Supreme Court has called upon Muslims across the Kingdom to sight the Dhu Al-Hijjah crescent moon on the evening of Sunday, May 17.

It is currently approaching 2am there so we have some time to go.

"Eid on the Square celebrates London's diverse Muslim communities, with involvement and attendance from wider Muslim communities from London and abroad; Turkish, Middle Eastern, Palestinians, Malaysians, Indonesians, North Africa and South Asian communities, and non-Muslims alike," the Mayor of London website reads.

"This is an opportunity for attendees to connect directly with thousands of Londoners from the Muslim community, as well as bring different communities together in a celebration on Trafalgar Square."

The flagship London event, Eid on the Square, will take place at Trafalgar Square.

This free event will take place on Saturday, May 30, from 12pm to 6pm, celebrating 20 years of Eid being hosted at this iconic central London venue.

The festival takes place at the end of the annual Hajj pilgrimage to the holy city of Mecca and is marked by prayers, charitable giving, and family gatherings.

Although the main celebration takes place on the first day, Eid al-Adha is marked over three to four days, with continued visits, shared meals, and acts of charity throughout.

In the UK and many other countries it is expected to commence in the evening of Tuesday May 26 or Wednesday May 27, with the first full day of celebration on May 27.

Turkey is boosting its railway capacity to handle a surge in passengers during the upcoming Eid al-Adha holiday period.

The country is increasing its capacity by 18,664 seats.

Transport and Infrastructure Minister Abdulkadir Uraloğlu said: "We will provide a total capacity increase of 18,664 seats by introducing additional YHT services and adding extra wagons to mainline and regional trains during the Eid al-Adha holiday."

The minister added that passenger capacity on high-speed (YHT), mainline, and regional services run by the Turkish State Railways (TCDD) will be increased to handle the extra demand from travelers.

Eid al-Adha is one of the most important festivals in the Islamic calendar and is celebrated by Muslims around the world.

The day usually begins with special Eid prayers held in mosques and large outdoor gatherings. Families and friends then come together to share meals and celebrate.

Many Muslims also give to charity and take part in Qurbani - the ritual sacrifice of an animal such as a sheep, goat or cow.

The meat is often divided between family members, neighbours and people in need.

Eid al-Adha takes place during the Islamic month of Dhul Hijjah and coincides with the annual Hajj pilgrimage in Mecca.

Astronomers expect the Dhul Hijjah crescent moon could be visible after sunset on May 17, with Saudi Arabia set to carry out the official moon sighting observation on Sunday evening.

If the crescent moon is officially confirmed, the following dates are expected:

-May 18 — First day of Dhul Hijjah

-May 26 — Day of Arafah

-May 27 — Eid al-Adha begins

If the moon is not sighted, the current Islamic month of Dhu al-Qadah will complete 30 days, meaning Eid al-Adha could instead begin on May 28.

Muslim communities in the UK, UAE, Saudi Arabia, India and Pakistan are expected to closely follow the official announcement.

The Supreme Court of Saudi Arabia has called on citizens and residents across the Kingdom to look for the crescent moon marking the start of Dhul Hijjah on the evening of Sunday, May 17.

The sighting of the crescent moon will determine the beginning of Dhul Hijjah 1447 AH - the final month of the Islamic calendar - as well as the dates for Day of Arafah, Hajj and Eid al-Adha 2026.

Observers are expected to monitor the skies shortly after sunset, with several astronomical observatories across Saudi Arabia taking part in the official sighting process.

If the moon is officially sighted, Dhul Hijjah is expected to begin on May 18, with Eid al-Adha likely falling on May 27.

Saudi Arabia’s announcement is closely followed by Muslim communities around the world, including in the UK, UAE, India and Pakistan.

The first 10 days of Dhul Hijjah are considered among the holiest periods in the Islamic calendar.

Muslims believe the days are especially significant because all major acts of worship in Islam take place during the same period.

These include prayer, fasting, charity and the annual Hajj pilgrimage in Mecca.

Many Muslims also spend the days increasing worship, reflection and charitable giving ahead of Eid al-Adha celebrations.

The start of Dhul Hijjah is expected to be determined following the official crescent moon sighting in Saudi Arabia on May 17.

The director of the Astronomical Observatory at Majmaah University has said there are currently no expected obstacles to prevent the sighting of the Dhul Hijjah crescent moon.

Abdullah Al Khudairi made the comments ahead of the official moon sighting observation expected to take place in Saudi Arabia on May 17.

Saudi Arabia is expected to announce the official Dhul Hijjah moon sighting on the evening of May 17.

The Saudi Supreme Court has asked Muslims across the Kingdom to look for the crescent moon after sunset, as its appearance will determine the start of Dhul Hijjah and the date of Eid al-Adha 2026.

Astronomers believe the crescent could be visible in parts of the Middle East on Sunday evening, with observatories including Sudair, Tumair and Majmaah expected to monitor the skies closely.

If the moon is officially sighted, Dhul Hijjah is expected to begin on May 18, with Day of Arafah likely falling on May 26 and Eid al-Adha beginning on May 27.

If the crescent is not seen, the current Islamic month will complete 30 days, meaning Eid could instead begin on May 28.

Dhul Hijjah is the 12th and final month of the Islamic calendar and is considered one of the holiest periods in Islam.

The month includes the annual Hajj pilgrimage in Mecca, the Day of Arafah and Eid al-Adha - one of the biggest festivals in the Islamic calendar.

The start of Dhul Hijjah is determined by the sighting of a new crescent moon, which is why Muslims around the world closely follow official moon sighting announcements each year.

Saudi Arabia’s Supreme Court has called on Muslims across the Kingdom to look for the crescent moon on May 17, with astronomers predicting it could be visible after sunset.

If the moon is officially sighted, Dhul Hijjah is expected to begin on May 18, placing Day of Arafah on May 26 and Eid al-Adha on May 27.

Some Muslim communities follow Saudi Arabia’s announcement, while others rely on local moon sightings, meaning Eid dates can sometimes differ between countries.

Welcome to our live blog. We'll bring you the latest on the moon sighting and Eid al-Adha announcement this weekend.