Muscat – Eid Al Adha in Oman is expected to fall on Wednesday, May 27, according to the astronomical calculations of Dr Subaih bin Rahman Al Saadi, an expert in celestial sciences.

Al Saadi said that his calculations, based on the movements of the Sun, Earth and Moon, indicate that the crescent moon marking the start of Dhul Hijjah 1447 AH will be born in conjunction with the sun at 12.10am (Oman time) on the morning of Sunday, May 17.

Speaking to Muscat Daily, Al Saadi said the crescent is highly likely to be visible later that day across all governorates of the sultanate and in most Arab and Islamic countries.

He added that in Muscat governorate, the crescent moon is expected to set about 55 minutes and 46 seconds after sunset, with the moon positioned approximately 12 degrees from the sun and about 11 degrees above the western horizon – conditions that favour clear visibility.

Based on these calculations, Monday, May 18, is expected to mark the first day of Dhul Hijjah 1447 AH. Accordingly, Tuesday, May 26 will correspond to the Day of Arafah, while Wednesday, May 27 is expected to be the first day of Eid Al Adha.

Saadi offered prayers for a peaceful and blessed Eid Al Adha. “We pray to God to return the blessed times to all Muslims with goodness and blessings throughout the world.”

He also offered supplications for Oman, saying, “We sincerely ask God to bless Oman under the leadership of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik. May Oman remain a beacon of peace, security and safety, and may His Majesty the Sultan, the Sultanate of Oman and the Islamic nation be blessed and prosperous.”

As per Royal Decree No 88/2022, the Eid Al Adha holiday is observed from Dhul Hijjah 9 to 12. If the first day of Eid falls on a Friday, a compensatory day will be granted as holiday.