Saudi Arabia's official calendar is the Umm al-Qura calendar. It is calculated in advance by King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST) and used for government business and everyday dates.
For the start of Ramadan, Shawwal (Eid al-Fitr) and Dhul Hijjah (Hajj and Eid al-Adha), the Supreme Court asks people to look for the crescent on the 29th and announces the result the same evening. That decision can differ from the printed Umm al-Qura date by a day.
Many countries and communities follow Saudi Arabia's announcements, especially in the Gulf, and so do many mosques in Europe and North America. Pakistan, India and Bangladesh follow their own sighting and are usually a day later.
Time zone
The Gregorian date on this page follows Arabia Standard Time (UTC+3, no daylight saving) and changes at midnight in Riyadh, Makkah and Madinah.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Islamic date today in Saudi Arabia?
Today, Tuesday, 27 October 2026 (Arabia Standard Time (AST, UTC+3)), the Islamic date in Saudi Arabia is 16 Jumada al-Awwal 1448 AH. In Pakistan and India it is 15 Jumada al-Awwal 1448 AH.
When is Ramadan 2027 in Saudi Arabia?
Ramadan 2027 (1448 AH) is expected to begin in Saudi Arabia on Monday, 8 February 2027, in 104 days. The first fast is confirmed by the moon sighting the evening before.
Does Saudi Arabia use the Umm al-Qura calendar?
Yes. The Umm al-Qura calendar is Saudi Arabia's official calendar for daily and government dates. Ramadan, Eid al-Fitr and the Hajj month are confirmed by moon sighting announced by the Supreme Court.
Why is Saudi Arabia a day ahead of Pakistan and India?
The new crescent is usually visible in the Arabian Peninsula an evening before it can be seen from South Asia, and Pakistan and India follow their own sighting. Today Saudi Arabia shows 16 Jumada al-Awwal 1448 AH and Pakistan 15 Jumada al-Awwal 1448 AH.
When is Eid al-Adha 2027 in Saudi Arabia?
Eid al-Adha is expected on Sunday, 16 May 2027 in Saudi Arabia (10 Dhul Hijjah 1448 AH), with the Day of Arafah the day before, subject to the moon sighting at the start of Dhul Hijjah.
