The first day of Eid al-Adha 2026 is astronomically projected to fall on Wednesday, May 27, 2026 [1].

These projections allow millions of worshippers and governments to plan for one of the most significant holidays in the Islamic calendar. Because the date depends on the lunar cycle, scientific forecasts provide a baseline before official moon-sighting committees make final declarations.

Calculations from the Sharjah Space and Astronomy Hub and the Ruet-e-Hilal Research Council indicate that May 27 [1, 2] will be the start of the holiday. These forecasts apply to several regions, including Pakistan, Egypt, and the United Arab Emirates [2, 3, 4].

In the UAE, the projection for the first day of Eid follows the projected Day of Arafat on May 26, 2026 [5]. This timeline suggests a significant period of observance for the region. Reports indicate that the UAE may see a nine-day break for the public holiday [6].

While astronomical data provides a high degree of predictability, the final date in many countries remains subject to the physical sighting of the crescent moon. Local religious authorities in Pakistan and the UAE typically confirm the date closer to the event based on these scientific projections and traditional observations [1, 2].

Observers in Egypt are also tracking these dates to align their national holiday schedules with the lunar calendar [4]. The coordination between astronomical hubs and research councils helps minimize discrepancies in the start date across different borders.

“The first day of Eid al-Adha 2026 is astronomically projected to fall on Wednesday, May 27, 2026.”

The reliance on astronomical hubs like the Sharjah Space and Astronomy Hub highlights a growing trend of integrating scientific lunar forecasting with traditional religious practices. While the projected date of May 27 provides a framework for international travel and government planning, the final observance remains dependent on regional moon-sighting committees, which can occasionally lead to one-day variances between countries.