The government of Saudi Arabia announced the sighting of the moon for the month of Hajj in the Islamic Calendar last night.

With this, today, May 28, is the first day of Dhul Hijjah. As such, the Day of Arafat falls on June 5, with Alha Eid to be marked on June 6.

The Maldives calendar also lists today as the start of Dhul Hijjah.

Following the announcement by the government of Saudi Arabia, Minister of Islamic Affairs Dr Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed stated that Maldives, too, will follow this calendar.

The first batch of Hajj pilgrims for this year left to Saudi Arabia on Monday. Maldives' generally receives a quota of 1000 for Hajj each year, although this year's figure has not been confirmed as of yet.