"The crescent will not be visible on the day of sighting in several Arab capitals.""The first day of Eid al-Adha will be on Wednesday, May 27."

The National Research Institute of Astronomy and Geophysics in Egypt announced the dates for Eid al-Adha 2026, just a few days after the end of Eid al-Fitr holiday, amid increasing searches for the first day of the "Big Eid" and the official holiday date.

Although the determination of Eid al-Adha in Arab and Islamic countries is linked to the official decision issued by the Saudi Supreme Court, based on the legal sighting of the crescent of Dhul-Hijjah, the Egyptian institute revealed astronomical estimates for the beginning of the month and the Hajj season 1447 AH.

According to the statement, the crescent of Dhul-Hijjah 1447 AH is born immediately after the conjunction, at 10:02 PM Cairo time on Saturday, May 16, 2026, corresponding to the 29th of Dhul-Qi'dah.

The institute explained that the crescent will not be visible on the day of sighting, as it will set before sunset in several Arab capitals, including Mecca and Cairo.

It noted that the moon sets before the sun in Mecca by about 13 minutes and in Cairo by about 7 minutes, while its setting time in other governorates ranges between 5 and 12 minutes. This astronomically indicates that Sunday, May 17, 2026, will complete the month of Dhul-Qi'dah, and Monday, May 18, 2026, will be the first day of Dhul-Hijjah.

According to these calculations, Arafat Day is expected to fall on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, while the first day of Eid al-Adha will be on Wednesday, May 27, 2026, continuing until Saturday, May 30, 2026.