Authorities in Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, India, and Pakistan are preparing to sight the crescent moon to determine the start of Eid al-Adha 2026 [1].
The sighting is critical because it establishes the official start of the Islamic holiday, which marks the end of the Hajj pilgrimage and involves significant religious observances [2].
Observers in Karachi and other regional hubs will attempt to spot the crescent for Dhul Hijjah, which is the 12th month of the Islamic lunar calendar for the year 1447 [3]. The timing of the sighting will dictate whether the holiday begins on May 26 or May 27, 2026.
In the UAE, astronomical calculations suggest that Arafat Day is projected for May 26, 2026 [4]. Under this projection, Eid al-Adha is expected to begin on May 27, 2026 [4].
However, other reports indicate a different possibility based on the timing of the sighting. If the moon is sighted earlier, Eid al-Adha will be observed on May 26, 2026, in Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and other Gulf countries [1].
Regional authorities and astronomers continue to monitor the sky to provide a definitive date for the celebrations. The process involves a combination of traditional sighting and modern astronomical data to ensure accuracy across the different participating nations.
“Authorities in Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, India, and Pakistan are preparing to sight the crescent moon”
The variation in projected dates highlights the tension between astronomical calculations and traditional moon-sighting practices. Because different countries and religious bodies may confirm the sighting at different times, the start of Eid al-Adha may vary by 24 hours across the Muslim world, affecting travel and public holiday schedules in the Gulf and South Asia.
