Several countries have confirmed public holidays for Eid al-Adha 2026 following the sighting of the Dhul Hijjah crescent moon in Saudi Arabia. The announcement sets the stage for one of the most significant celebrations in the Islamic calendar, with governments across the Middle East, Africa, and Asia releasing official holiday schedules.
Saudi Arabia Confirms Eid al-Adha Date
Saudi authorities confirmed that Dhul Hijjah 1447 began on Sunday, May 17, while the Day of Arafah will fall on Tuesday, May 26. Eid al-Adha is expected to be observed on Wednesday, May 27, 2026. The crescent moon for Dhul Hijjah was sighted in Saudi Arabia, marking the start of the blessed month. The announcement was circulated by Islamic platforms including @Muslim and @HaramainInfo on X.
Saudi Arabia also released key dates linked to the Hajj season. The first day of Dhul Hijjah was marked on May 18, and pilgrims are expected to gather for Arafah on May 26 ahead of the Eid celebration the following day. A message from @HaramainInfo prayed for a safe and spiritually uplifting Hajj for pilgrims and encouraged maximizing the first ten days of Dhul Hijjah through dhikr, fasting, dua, charity, and righteous deeds.
Morocco Extends Eid Break
Morocco has declared an extended break for the festival. Authorities announced that Friday, May 29, will be observed as an exceptional public holiday in addition to the regular Eid holidays on May 27 and May 28. The decision applies to public institutions and local administrative bodies. Morocco has a history of extending Eid breaks when the celebration falls close to a weekend, allowing families more time for travel and reunions during the festivities.
Pakistan and Ghana Announce Closures
Pakistan's federal government approved a three-day public holiday from May 26 to May 28. The schedule was endorsed by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and confirmed in a Cabinet Division notification. All offices, educational institutions, and businesses observing public holidays will remain closed on the notified dates. The decision followed confirmation by Pakistan's Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee that Eidul Azha would be celebrated on May 27 after moon sighting reports from several cities, including Karachi, Rawalpindi, and Peshawar.
In Ghana, the Ministry of the Interior declared Wednesday, May 27, a statutory public holiday across the country. The general public was informed that Wednesday, May 27, 2026, marks Eid-Ul-Adha, which is a statutory public holiday and should be observed as such throughout the country.
UAE Plans Extended Holiday Break
The United Arab Emirates is also preparing for a lengthy Eid break. Forecasts indicate that the holiday could begin with Arafat Day on Tuesday, May 26, and continue through Friday, May 29. Combined with the weekend, residents may enjoy a six-day holiday period. Under UAE law, Eid holidays are determined by the Islamic lunar calendar and cannot be shifted. Final confirmation of dates will depend on official moon sightings closer to the celebration.
Earlier reports projected that based on the Dhu Al Hijjah crescent, Eid Al Adha 2026 in the UAE would be on May 27, with dates reliant on final moon sighting. While astronomical calculations provide expected dates, official confirmation depended on the sighting of the new crescent moon marking the beginning of the Islamic month of Dhu al-Hijjah.
