Saudi Arabia has officially confirmed the sighting of the Dhul Hijjah crescent moon, marking the beginning of the final month of the Islamic lunar calendar on Monday, May 18, 2026. As a result, Eid al-Adha will be observed on Wednesday, May 27, 2026, with the Day of Arafah falling on Tuesday, May 26.
In the UK, the Sunni Moonsighting Board announced that the crescent moon was observed in many parts of the country, confirming that Dhul Hijjah will begin on May 18 and Eid al-Adha on May 27. Communities across the UK, UAE, and the Muslim world are expected to follow these dates, though some may rely on local sightings.
Indonesia, Malaysia, Tunisia, and Turkey have also declared Monday, May 18 as the start of Dhu al-Hijjah, with Eid al-Adha on May 27. Turkey uses a pre-calculated Islamic calendar. Morocco’s Ministry of Islamic Affairs confirmed the same date for Eid al-Adha.
In contrast, the United Ulama Council of South Africa (UUCSA) determined that Eid-ul-Adha will be on Thursday, May 28, due to no confirmed reports of moon sighting. Pakistan and the UAE also confirmed the sighting, celebrating Eid on May 27.
Government employees in the UAE will receive leave from Monday, May 25 to Friday, May 29, with normal hours resuming on June 1. Private schools in Dubai will also close during this period.
