Astronomical calculations by specialists at the Qatar Calendar House (QCH) has said that the first day of Eid Al Adha is likely to fall on September 1 this year.  

The experts have said that the first day of Hijri month Dhul-Hijja 1438H will begin on Wednesday, August 23, reported Gulf Times.

“According to accurate calculations, the new crescent of Dhul-Hijja 1438H will be born on 29 Dhul-Qa'da (August 21) at 9.31pm,” QCH director Dr Mohamed Al Ansari and astronomy expert Dr Beshir Marzouk said.

The set time of the moon will be 10 minutes before sunset time over Doha sky on Monday, August 21, while the moon's set time over the sky of the Two Holy Mosques (Makkah and Medina) and other Gulf countries will be 8 to 11 minutes before sunset time, reported Qatar Tribune. 

The new crescent will be impossible to be viewed by astronomical telescopes or naked eye over Doha sky and all Arab countries on this night because it will bear after sunset time.

Consequently, the Hijric month ‘Dhul-Qa'da 1438 H’ will end on August 22. The Arafat day will be on August 31.
Eid Al Adha is always on the same day of the Hijric calendar (10th of Dhul- Hijja), while the date on the Gregorian calendar varies from year to year. The Gregorian calendar is a solar calendar whereas the Hijric calendar is a lunar calendar.

This difference means Eid Al-Adha moves in the Gregorian calendar approximately 11 days every year.