Eid Al Adha 2025: Saudi court calls for crescent moon sighting

The Supreme Court of Saudi Arabia has called upon Muslims across the country to sight the crescent moon of Dhul Hijjah on the evening of Tuesday, 29 Dhu al-Qi’dah 1446 AH (May 27).

In a statement, the entity urged anyone who sights the crescent moon—either with the naked eye or through binoculars—to promptly report to the nearest court and submit their testimony, a Saudi press Agency report said.

Read-Eid Al Adha 2025 in the UAE: Likely dates, holidays, and what to expect

The court also expressed hope that those capable of moon sighting will join the committees established for this purpose in various regions and participate in this effort, which benefits the Muslim community.

The International Astronomical Centre in the UAE has also announced that the crescent moon marking the start of Dhul Hijjah 1446 AH will be observed on Tuesday, May 27, across the Islamic world.

Engineer Mohammad Shawkat Odeh, Director of the Abu Dhabi-based centre, stated that moon sighting will be possible with telescopes from parts of Central and Western Asia, as well as most of Africa and Europe. Additionally, it may be visible to the naked eye in large areas of the Americas, according to a WAM report.

Based on these astronomical predictions, Wednesday, May 28 is expected to be the first day of Dhul Hijjah, making Friday, June 6 the likely date for the start of Eid Al Adha in most Islamic countries.

Eid Al Adha is therefore expected to fall on Friday, June 6, with the Day of Arafah observed on Thursday, June 5, according to dates listed on the UAE government’s official website.

Residents in the UAE are likely to enjoy a four-day break—comprising June 5 and 6 for Arafah and Eid Al Adha—followed by the regular weekend on June 7 and 8 (Saturday and Sunday).