Authorities in Saudi Arabia have confirmed the sighting of the Dhul Hijjah crescent on Sunday evening, establishing Monday, May 18, 2026, as the beginning of the holy month. In accordance with the lunar calendar, the Supreme Court determined that the Day of Arafah—the pinnacle of the annual Hajj pilgrimage—will fall on Tuesday, May 26. Eid Al Adha will officially commence the following day, Wednesday, May 27. This confirmation triggers the final phase of infrastructural and security deployments to accommodate the massive influx of international pilgrims arriving for Hajj 1447 AH.
