Full Breakdown
Eid al-Adha 2026: Global Date Confirmation and Holiday Arrangements
5/19/2026, 11:42:07 PM
Eid al-Adha 2026: Date Confirmation Across the Muslim World
Astronomical observations and official moon-sighting committees in Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Indonesia, Oman and the Philippines have converged on Wednesday 27 May 2026 as the day Muslims will celebrate Eid al-Adha, the “Festival of Sacrifice.” Saudi Arabian moon-spotters, the UAE Council for Fatwa, and Indonesia’s Religious Affairs Minister Nasaruddin Umar all cited the lunar crescent sighting that marked the start of Dhul Hijjah on 18 May 2026.
Lunar Calendar and Religious Significance
Eid al-Adha falls on the 10th day of Dhul Hijjah, the final month of the Islamic (Hijri) lunar calendar. Because the Hijri year is 10–12 days shorter than the Gregorian calendar, the festival shifts annually. The holiday commemorates the Prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son, an act that Muslims reenact through the ritual Qurbani (animal sacrifice) and communal prayers.
Timeline of Key Dates
| Date (2026) | Event | Observance |
|---|---|---|
| 18 May (Mon) | First day of Dhul Hijjah | UAE Council for Fatwa, Saudi Arabia |
| 26 May (Tue) | Day of Arafah (9th of Dhul Hijjah) | Pre-Hajj observance |
| 27 May (Wed) | Eid al-Adha (10th of Dhul Hijjah) | Main festival |
| 27-29 May | Public-sector holiday (UAE, Oman) | 5-day break |
| 26-29 May | Private-sector holiday (UAE) | 4-day break |
| 27 May onward | Regular holiday (Philippines) | Wage rules apply |
Holiday Declarations by National Authorities
- Philippines – Under Republic Act No. 9849, Eid al-Adha is a national holiday. The National Commission on Muslim Filipinos must recommend a date to Malacañang, after which the President issues a proclamation.
- Saudi Arabia – Moon-spotters confirmed the 27 May date; the kingdom observes the holiday automatically as a religious observance.
- Indonesia – Minister Nasaruddin Umar announced at the Isbat meeting that 27 May is the official date for the nation’s Eid al-Adha.
- Oman – The Oman News Agency declared a five-day holiday from 26 May to 31 May, with work resuming on 31 May.
- UAE – The UAE Council for Fatwa confirmed the lunar sighting and set 27 May as Eid al-Adha. The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) announced a four-day private-sector holiday (26-29 May) and a five-day public-sector break (25-29 May).
Labor Implications and Compensation
In the Philippines, employees who do not work on a regular holiday receive 100 % of their daily wage; those who work receive 200 % of the basic wage for the first eight hours, plus a 30 % premium for overtime or work on a scheduled rest day. The UAE’s private-sector holiday grants full pay for the four days, while public-sector workers enjoy a five-day paid leave. Oman and Indonesia treat the day as a standard public holiday with regular pay.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- The Philippines had not yet issued an official proclamation at the time of reporting, leaving the exact holiday date pending.
- Early UAE coverage varied, with some outlets citing a four-day private-sector break and others suggesting a five-day period, creating temporary ambiguity.
- Oman’s announcement covered only the public sector; private-sector arrangements were not detailed.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Subsequently, the blessed month of Dhul Hijjah will commence tonight, and ‘Eid al-Adha will be observed on Wednesday 27th May 2026, in sha Allah.” — *Saudi Arabian moon-spotters*
- “It has been agreed that 10 Zulhijah, or Eid al-Adha, will fall on Wednesday, May 27, 2026,” — *Nasaruddin Umar, Religious Affairs Minister, Indonesia*
- “The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation announced that from Tuesday, May 26, to Friday, May 29, will be a paid official holiday for all private sector employees in the UAE, on the occasion of Arafat Day and Eid Al Adha,” — *Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation, UAE*
What’s Next
The Hajj pilgrimage will commence on 25 May and conclude around 30 May, overlapping with Eid al-Adha. Travel agencies across the Gulf anticipate a surge in bookings, while schools in the UAE and the Philippines have already scheduled extended breaks. Workers awaiting official proclamations in the Philippines are advised to monitor updates from Malacañang before planning leave.
