The United Arab Emirates (UAE) Astronomy Center has published preliminary dates for major Islamic events in 2027, corresponding to the year 1448 AH. Residents of the country can use this information to plan the celebration of these holy dates next year.
In the lunar calendar, months last either 29 or 30 days, depending on the moment of moon sighting. This monthly process is carried out by the UAE Moon Sighting Committee, which then helps determine important dates and events for residents' advance preparation.
Below is a list of probable dates for Islamic holidays next year, calculated by the Astronomy Center. It should be noted that official dates may change depending on the actual moon sighting, and this data should be considered only as the most likely.
It is anticipated that the new moon at the end of the month of Sha'ban will be sighted either on Saturday, February 6, 2027, or Sunday, February 7, 2027. According to the Astronomy Center's data, the new moon will not be visible from many regions of the world, including the UAE, because the moon sets before the sun and/or the conjunction occurs after sunset. Consequently, the month of Sha'ban is likely to last 30 days, meaning Ramadan is expected to begin on February 8, 2027, in the UAE. It is worth noting that Ramadan began on February 18 in 2026, and the holy month shifts by 10–12 days each year.
Eid al-Fitr is celebrated on the first three days of the Hijri month of Shawwal. The probable dates for this holiday in 2027 depend on the duration of Ramadan. The Astronomy Center predicts that the UAE may see the new moon of Shawwal either on Monday, March 8, 2027, or Tuesday, March 9, 2027. If the new moon is sighted on the evening of the 29th day of Ramadan (March 8), Eid al-Fitr will begin on Tuesday, March 9. However, if the new moon is not sighted and Ramadan lasts 30 days, Eid al-Fitr will begin on Wednesday, March 10, in the UAE.
Eid al-Adha is observed on the 10th day of the last month of the Hijri calendar—Dhu al-Hijjah. It falls one day after Eid al-Arafa (the 9th day of Dhu al-Hijjah), which is considered the holiest day in Islam. The Astronomy Center reported that the new moon of Dhu al-Hijjah in the UAE in 2027 is likely to be sighted either on Thursday, May 6, or Friday, May 7. This means the month could begin on May 7 or 8 of the following year, making Eid al-Adha likely on May 16 or 17, 2027.
The charts show that sighting the new moon on Thursday, May 6, 2027, and Friday, May 7, 2027, is impossible in the areas marked in red because the moon sets before sunset and/or the topocentric conjunction occurs after sunset. The moon can only be seen with an optical instrument in the areas marked in blue, while in areas marked in purple, it can be seen with the naked eye under ideal atmospheric conditions and observer experience.
Eid al-Arafa is likely to fall on May 15 or 16, depending on which day of May becomes the ninth day of Dhu al-Hijjah. This holiday is observed by Muslims worldwide in memory of Ibrahim. Animal sacrifice takes place and is distributed among the needy. The nine days preceding the festival are also dedicated to worship and spirituality. On Eid al-Arafa, most believers fast, except for those performing Hajj, which usually takes place between the 8th and 12th or 13th day of Dhu al-Hijjah.
The Hijri New Year begins on the first day of Muharram. Based on the probable moon sighting dates in 2027, the Astronomy Center allows calculation of the expected first day of Muharram, the first month of the Islamic year 1449 AH. If Dhu al-Hijjah begins on May 7, 2027, and lasts 29 days, Muharram is expected on June 5, 2027; if the new moon is not sighted and the month lasts 30 days, it will begin on June 6. Alternatively, if Dhu al-Hijjah begins on May 8, 2027, and lasts 29 days, Muharram is expected on June 6, 2027; with 30 days, the month will begin on June 7, 2027.