Muslim nations are set to scan the skies on Sunday, May 17, 2026, to spot the crescent moon marking the start of the month of Dhul Hijjah 1447 AH. According to the UAE Astronomy Centre, the moon is expected to be visible to the naked eye across much of the Islamic world, including North Africa, Central and Western Asia, and the Americas. If the sightings align with these projections, Monday, May 18, will likely be declared the first day of the month, setting the stage for Eid Al Adha to fall on Wednesday, May 27, 2026.

The centre provided detailed calculations for major cities like Abu Dhabi, Mecca, Cairo, and Rabat, where the moon is expected to remain above the horizon for well over an hour after sunset. While these durations and the age of the moon exceed the minimum thresholds historically recorded for naked-eye sightings, experts remind the public that actual visibility remains dependent on atmospheric conditions and the moon’s precise angular distance from the sun. Specialized mapping indicates that while the crescent will be easily spotted in many regions, some areas will still require telescopic aid or may not be able to observe the moon at all.