Overview
- Moon-sighting panels in Saudi Arabia and the UAE plan observations on Saturday, May 16, with Pakistan’s Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee meeting Sunday, May 17.
- Regional agencies, including the International Astronomical Center, the Sharjah Space and Astronomy Hub, and Pakistan’s SUPARCO, expect a May 17 new moon with the crescent visible Sunday evening.
- If the crescent is confirmed, Dhul Hijjah would start May 18 and Eid Al-Adha would likely fall around May 27, though dates can vary by national announcement.
- The UAE has already set May 25–29 as public-sector and school holidays, creating a nine-day break for many and a longer break in Sharjah under its four-day workweek.
- Eid Al-Adha marks the end phase of Hajj and features congregational prayers and Qurbani, so the confirmed dates will guide worship, travel, retail plans, and local events.