Saudi Arabia announces start of Dhul Hijjah; Eid Al Adha dates confirmed
Saudi Arabia's Supreme Court has announced Monday, May 18, to be the first day of Dhul Hijjah after the crescent moon was spotted in the Kingdom. The announcement triggers a series of significant dates followed by Muslims across the globe, starting with Arafah Day and Eid Al Adha.
The 9th of Dhul Hijjah is the day of Arafah, which consists of one of the most important components in this journey and also spiritually significant for Muslims around the world. This means the Day of Arafat is Tuesday, May 26 (9 Dhul Hijjah), while Eid Al Adha 2026 starts Wednesday, May 27 (10 Dhul Hijjjah).
Many of the participating countries have officially announced the date on which they will celebrate the occasion and kick off the month tomorrow. Eid Al Adha, which will fall on the evening of May 27 in Malaysia and Indonesia, will start there, while the last month of the Islamic year - Dhul Hijjah - starts on May 18.
Tunisia was the first country officially declared that Dhul Hijjah begins tomorrow Monday, 18 of May and Eid Al Adha will be on Wednesday, 27of May.
Turkey does not sight the horn of the new moon, depending on calendar-based calculations, and has also announced that Dhul Hijjah starts tomorrow (May 18) - therefore Eid Al Adha will be on Wednesday (May 27).
Public holidays for Eid Al Adha in UAE
For the upcoming Eid Al Adha, government employees in the UAE will have an official 5-day holiday. The public holidays will be observed from Monday 25 May until Friday 29 May. This effectively provides employees with a 9-day extended leave when you add the weekends (Sat and Sun). You'll start work again on Monday, 1st June.
In Sharjah, the government follows a 4-day workweek, giving its inhabitants Friday, Saturday and Sunday off. This will turn those 5 days into a mini-recuperation that lasts for 10 days. Students in the emirate will enjoy the same.
Comments