The Saudi Supreme Court has announced that the crescent for the month of Dhul Hijjah was seen today (May 17) in the kingdom and hence, tomorrow ( May 18 - Monday) will be the first day of Dhul Hijjah 1447, according to the Saudi Press Agency.

The Crescent Sighting Department of the Supreme Court took this decision after holding a session on Sunday evening and reviewing the testimonies submitted by a number of witnesses with regard to the sighting of the crescent moon for the month of Dhul Hijjah.

In a statement issued today, the court confirmed that standing at Arafat will take place on Tuesday, Dhul-Hijjah 9 (May 26), and that Eid Al-Adha will be observed on the following Wednesday (May 27).

Meanwhile, UAE Council for Fatwa reported sighting of the crescent moon marking the beginning of Dhul Hijjah for the year. Based on the confirmed legal sighting of the crescent moon, the Council declared May 27 as the first day of Eid Al Adha across the emirates, according to Wam.

The announcement followed the review of moon-sighting results and observation reports submitted by specialists, experts and traditional moon-sighters across the UAE through the approved observatory network supervised by institutions and centres specialised in space and astronomy sciences.