UAE announces first day of Eid Al Adha 2026 as Dhu Al Hijjah moon sighted
Day of Arafah will be on May 26
DUBAI – The UAE Council for Fatwa has officially announced the sighting of the Dhu Al Hijjah crescent moon, confirming the beginning of the Islamic month and setting the dates for Eid Al Adha and the annual Hajj season in the country.
The announcement was made on Sunday evening, corresponding to 29 Dhul Qa’dah 1447 AH and May 17, 2026, following a nationwide review of moon-sighting reports submitted by experts, astronomers and traditional observers across the country.
The process was conducted through an approved observatory network overseen by specialised institutions and astronomy centres.
بيان مجلس الإمارات للإفتاء الشرعي
— مجلس الإمارات للإفتاء الشرعي (@fatwauae) May 17, 2026
حول هلال شهر ذي الحجة 1447هـ
الحمد لله، والصلاة والسلام على رسول الله، وبعد:
فقد استطلع مجلس الإمارات للإفتاء الشرعي هلال شهر ذي الحجة مساء اليوم الأحد، بتاريخ: 29 ذي القعدة 1447هـ، الموافق 17 مايو 2026م، وبناء على ما ورد إلى المجلس من تقارير… pic.twitter.com/jDW3w0g96j
Moon sighting confirmed
According to the council, the crescent moon was legally sighted after reviewing results from specialists and observation teams using advanced space and astronomy technologies across the UAE.
Based on the confirmed sighting, Monday, May 18, 2026, will mark the first day of Dhu Al Hijjah 1447 AH.
The announcement also establishes key dates for one of the most significant periods in the Islamic calendar. Eid Al Adha, observed on the 10th day of Dhu Al Hijjah, will begin in the UAE on Wednesday, May 27. The Day of Arafah, which precedes the festival and is among the most important days during the Hajj pilgrimage, will fall on Tuesday, May 26.
Holiday dates
The confirmation has also brought greater clarity over holiday schedules across sectors.
Federal government employees had earlier been informed of public sector holiday dates, with work expected to resume on Monday, June 1.
Meanwhile, private sector workers are awaiting an official announcement regarding Eid Al Adha holidays.
Dubai’s private educational institutions have already confirmed their schedules under the unified academic calendar. Schools will observe the Eid break from Monday, May 25, to Friday, May 29, with classes resuming on Monday, June 1.