Saudi Arabia Declares Arafat and Eid al-Adha Dates

The Supreme Court of Saudi Arabia announced that May 26 and 27 will be observed as Arafat and Eid al-Adha days, respectively, marking the climax of the annual Hajj pilgrimage. This declaration was made on May 18, 2026, after the court reviewed testimonies regarding the sighting of the crescent moon, which indicates the beginning of Dhul Hijjah, the 12th month of the Islamic calendar.

King Salman bin Abdulaziz and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman were acknowledged for their services to pilgrims visiting the holy sites. In Nigeria, Sultan of Sokoto Muhammad Sa'ad Abubakar, who is the President General of the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, also announced the commencement of this significant period in the Islamic calendar, during which millions of Muslims perform the annual Hajj pilgrimage in preparation for Eid al-Adha celebrations.