Saudi Arabia announces date for Sallah

Saudi Arabia has announced that Eid al-Adha will be celebrated on Wednesday, May 27, 2026, after the new moon for Dhul Hijjah was sighted on Sunday evening.

The announcement means the new Islamic month of Dhul Hijjah will start on Monday, May 18, 2026.

The country’s Supreme Court confirmed the date through the Saudi Press Agency.

It stated that pilgrims going for the annual Hajj will gather at Mount Arafat in Saudi Arabia on Tuesday, May 26, which is the 9th day of Dhul Hijjah.

The next day, Wednesday, May 27, will be the start of Eid al-Adha celebrations.

The Day of Arafat is a key moment in the Hajj pilgrimage, where millions of Muslims gather in prayer and reflection at Mount Arafat close to Mecca. It comes just before Eid al-Adha begins.

Eid al-Adha is one of the major festivals in Islam. It remembers the story of Prophet Ibrahim, who was ready to sacrifice his son in obedience to God before a ram was provided for sacrifice instead, according to Islamic belief.

The Hajj pilgrimage is one of the five pillars of Islam. It is required for Muslims who are physically and financially able to perform it at least once in their lifetime.