The Supreme Court of Saudi Arabia has announced that Friday, June 7th, marks the beginning of Dhu al-Hijjah, the final month of the Islamic calendar. Consequently, the Hajj pilgrimage will commence on June 14th. Hajj is one of the five pillars of Islam, and over 1.2 million pilgrims are expected this year. Eid al-Adha, the Festival of Sacrifice, will fall on June 16th in Saudi Arabia and most Gulf countries, while Oman will celebrate on June 17th.