Saudi Arabia has officially confirmed the sighting of the Dhul-Hijjah crescent moon, marking the beginning of the Islamic month from Monday, May 18, 2026, according to Gulf media reports.
As a result, the most significant ritual of Hajj, Waqf-e-Arafah, will be observed on May 26, while Eid-ul-Adha will be celebrated across the Kingdom on Wednesday, May 27, 2026.
Earlier, the Saudi Supreme Court had appealed to citizens and residents throughout the Kingdom to observe the sky for the Dhul-Hijjah moon on Sunday evening. The court requested that anyone who sighted the crescent, either with the naked eye or through binoculars, report their testimony to the nearest judicial authority for verification.
The confirmation of the moon sighting formally initiated preparations for the annual Hajj pilgrimage and Eid-ul-Adha celebrations in Saudi Arabia. Millions of Muslims from around the world are currently gathered in the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah to perform Hajj rituals under extensive security and logistical arrangements implemented by Saudi authorities.
Meanwhile, several other countries also announced the beginning of Dhul-Hijjah in line with their respective moon sighting systems and Islamic calendars. Turkey confirmed that the first day of Dhul-Hijjah would fall on Monday, May 18, with Eid-ul-Adha to be celebrated on May 27 according to its pre-determined religious calendar.
Similarly, authorities in Oman announced that the Dhul-Hijjah moon had been sighted in the country, confirming that Eid-ul-Adha would also be observed there on May 27.
The announcement is expected to accelerate Eid preparations across the Muslim world, including arrangements related to sacrificial animals, travel, public holidays, and religious gatherings ahead of one of Islam’s most important annual festivals.
