Saudi Arabia Declares May 26, 27 as Arafat, Eid-el-Adha Days

Saudi Arabia’s Supreme Court has announced that the Standing at Mount Arafat, the peak of the annual Hajj pilgrimage, will take place on Tuesday, May 26, 2026.

The court also confirmed that Eid-el-Adha celebrations will be observed the following day, Wednesday, May 27, 2026.

According to an official statement, the Kingdom declared Monday, May 18, 2026, as the first day of Dhul Hijjah 1447 AH, following the sighting of the crescent moon by the Crescent Sighting Department of the Supreme Court.

“The Crescent Sighting Department of the Supreme Court reached the decision after reviewing testimonies submitted by witnesses regarding the sighting of the Dhul Hijjah crescent,” the statement read.

The court also offered prayers for the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz, and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, commending their efforts in serving pilgrims and maintaining the holy sites.

It further prayed for Allah to grant pilgrims ease and comfort in performing the Hajj rites, while also seeking continued peace, stability, and prosperity for Saudi Arabia.

The Haramain official account also confirmed the development on X, stating that the crescent moon for Dhul Hijjah 1447 had been sighted, marking the beginning of the sacred month and confirming Eid-el-Adha for May 27, 2026, in line with Islamic tradition.

Meanwhile, in Nigeria, the Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, also declared Monday, May 18, 2026, as the first day of Dhul Hijjah.

Dhul Hijjah is the 12th and final month of the Islamic calendar and one of the most significant periods in Islam, marked by the Hajj pilgrimage, the Day of Arafat, and Eid-el-Adha celebrations observed by millions of Muslims worldwide.