Saudi Arabia and Oman Confirm Dhul Hijjah Moon Sighting

Religious authorities in Saudi Arabia and Oman reported sighting the Dhul Hijjah crescent moon on Sunday to confirm the date for Eid al-Adha ^[1].

The sighting is critical because the Islamic lunar calendar relies on the observation of the new moon to determine the start of religious months and the timing of major holidays.

Officials in both Saudi Arabia and Oman confirmed the visibility of the crescent, which marks the beginning of Dhul Hijjah ^[1]. This month is the final month of the Islamic calendar and contains the dates for the Hajj pilgrimage, and the subsequent celebration of Eid al-Adha ^[1].

Several other Muslim-majority nations had already announced their expected dates for the holiday before the sightings in the Gulf region ^[1]. These countries include Turkey, Tunisia, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Brunei ^[1].

The confirmation of the moon sighting allows millions of Muslims to finalize travel plans for the Hajj pilgrimage in 2026 ^[1]. This annual event draws worshippers from across the globe to Mecca, Saudi Arabia, to perform a series of rituals that commemorate the prophet Abraham.

Following the confirmation of the crescent, religious bodies typically announce the specific day of the sacrifice, which is the central act of the Eid al-Adha holiday ^[1]. The timing varies slightly by region based on whether a country follows local sightings or astronomical calculations.

Authorities in the region said the sightings were verified to ensure accuracy for the faithful ^[1]. This process ensures that the religious community remains synchronized for the start of the holy month, and the subsequent festivities in 2026 ^[1].