Qatar has officially announced the dates for Eid Al Adha in 2026, with celebrations set to commence on Wednesday, May 27, according to astronomical calculations published by the Qatar Calendar House. The announcement, made public on May 15, 2026, confirms that the first day of Dhu al-Hijjah 1447 AH will fall on Monday, May 18, 2026.
Astronomical Basis for the Announcement
Dr. Faisal Al-Ansari, Executive Director of the Qatar Calendar House, explained that the crescent for Dhu al-Hijjah will form on Saturday, May 16, 2026, at 11:02 PM Doha time. However, it will not be visible at sunset on that day. He stated: "It is impossible to see the crescent moon on Saturday evening (the day of observation) in the skies of Qatar and all Arab and Islamic countries, because the crescent moon will not have been born at sunset on that day." This astronomical insight forms the basis for the confirmed dates.
Confirmation of Dhul Qa'dah by UAE and Saudi Arabia
The UAE Fatwa Council announced that Sunday, April 19, 2026, marked the start of Dhul Qa'dah 1447 AH. Similarly, Saudi Arabia's Crescent Sighting Department of the Supreme Court confirmed the same date after reviewing reports from courts on Friday, April 17, 2026, which corresponded to 29 Shawwal 1447 AH. These confirmations align with the astronomical predictions for the upcoming Islamic month.
Potential Scenarios for Dhu al-Hijjah and Eid Al Adha
Astronomical predictions indicate that the 29th day of Dhul Qa'dah will fall on Sunday, May 17, 2026. If the crescent is sighted that evening, Dhu al-Hijjah will begin on Monday, May 18. If not, Dhul Qa'dah will complete 30 days, and Dhu al-Hijjah will start on Tuesday, May 19. Under the first scenario, Arafah Day will be on Tuesday, May 26, followed by Eid Al Adha on Wednesday, May 27. In the second scenario, Arafah Day shifts to Wednesday, May 27, and Eid Al Adha begins on Thursday, May 28.
UAE Public Holidays and Extended Breaks
The UAE Cabinet has approved Arafah Day as a public holiday, followed by three days of Eid Al Adha celebrations. This arrangement could allow residents to enjoy a holiday from Tuesday, May 26, to Friday, May 29, 2026. Including the weekend, this creates a six-day break. For those planning ahead, taking annual leave on Monday, May 25, 2026, could extend the holiday to nine consecutive days off, combining weekends before and after the official break.
Official Moon Sighting and Regional Updates
As with all Islamic months, the exact dates of Dhu al-Hijjah, Arafah Day, and Eid Al Adha will only be confirmed after official moon sighting announcements. Residents in the UAE and across the region are advised to follow updates from recognised authorities closer to the time. Meanwhile, Bangladesh has declared a seven-day public holiday from Monday, May 25, to Sunday, May 31, in celebration of the upcoming Eid Al Adha 2026, as reported by Prothomalo on Friday, May 8. Government offices in Bangladesh will remain open on Saturday, May 23, and Sunday, May 24.
