Eid Al Adha 2026 is expected to begin on Wednesday, May 27, 2026, and continue until Saturday, May 30, 2026. These dates depend strictly on the physical sighting of the Dhul Hijjah crescent moon, which was first announced by Tunisia.
Check the date of Eid Al Adha, the crescent moon in Saudi Arabia and the UAE, and more.
Eid Al Adha 2026: Crescent Moon Sighting
The crescent moon marks the beginning of Dhu Al Hijjah, which has been confirmed in both Tunisia and Turkey, with the two countries announcing Monday, May 18, as the first day and beginning of the Islamic month, and Wednesday, May 27, as Eid Al Adha.
When is Eid Al Adha 2026?
Eid Al Adha 2026 is expected to begin on Wednesday, May 27, 2026, and continue until Saturday, May 30, 2026.
Eid Al Adha 2026: Tunisia to First Announce Dhu Al Hijjah
Tunisia became the first country to officially confirm the start of Dhu Al Hijjah and the beginning of the Islamic month after declaring Saturday, May 16, as the 29th day of Dhu Al Qadah.
Eid Al Adha 2026: Turkey Sets Dhu Al Hijjah Date
Turkey also confirmed Monday, May 18, as the start of Dhu Al Hijjah, following a pre-calculated Islamic calendar.
However, Turkey announces this on the basis of astronomical calculations rather than physical moon sighting.
Eid Al Adha 2026: Saudi Arabia & UAE Await Crescent Moon Sighting
In other Islamic countries, including Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Oman, Sunday, May 17, has been set for the observation of the Dhu Al Hijjah crescent moon, with authorities expected to sight the moon on Sunday evening and announce official Eid Al Adha dates thereafter.
Therefore, an official announcement from these countries is still awaited.
What is Dhu Al Qadah?
Dhu al-Qa'dah is the 11th and penultimate month of the Islamic lunar calendar. It immediately precedes the holy month of Dhu al-Hijjah, during which the Hajj pilgrimage and Eid al-Adha take place.
Eid Al Adha 2026: What is Dhu Al Hijjah?
Dhu al-Hijjah is the 12th and final month of the Islamic lunar calendar. It translates literally to "The Month of the Pilgrimage" and is widely recognized as one of the holiest and most spiritually significant periods of the entire Islamic year.
Eid Al Adha 2026: Meaning & Significance
Eid Al Adha is the second and largest of the two major festivals celebrated in Islam, commemorating Prophet Ibrahim's absolute devotion and willingness to sacrifice his son in obedience to God's command. Known globally as the "Festival of Sacrifice," the holiday falls annually on the 10th day of Dhu al-Hijjah, the final month of the Islamic lunar calendar.