The Saudi Supreme Court has officially requested that Muslims throughout the Kingdom look for the Dhul Hijjah crescent moon this coming Sunday evening, May 17. This date aligns with the 29th of Dhul Qadah on the Umm al-Qura calendar. Authorities have encouraged anyone who spots the moon—either through optical aids or the naked eye—to visit their local court to provide an official testimony or contact regional committees established to assist with the verification process.

The outcome of this sighting will determine the official start of the month, which holds immense religious importance as it marks the lead-up to the annual Hajj pilgrimage. If the moon is visible on Sunday, Dhul Hijjah will begin on Monday, May 18, positioning the Day of Arafah on May 26 and Eid Al Adha on May 27. Should the crescent remain elusive, the month will start on Tuesday, May 19, pushing the observance of Arafah to May 27 and Eid to May 28. This observation process is being mirrored across the UAE and other Muslim-majority nations, all of whom are awaiting the official confirmation from the Saudi authorities.