Will The UAE Have A Long Weekend For The Islamic New Year Holiday?
Welcoming in a new beginning with the year 1446 AH
In the Islamic lunar calendar, the month of Dhull Hijjah is coming to a close, marking the end of the year 1445 AH, and ushering in a new Islamic year.
The Islamic New Year, also known as the Hijri New Year, falls annually on the 1st of Muharram, the first month in the Islamic calendar.
This year, the Islamic New Year is set to fall on Sunday, July 7, and is commemorated as an auspicious day in the Islamic faith.
What Is The Islamic New Year?
The Hijri New Year is derived from the Arabic word, Al Hijra, meaning migration, and signifies the day when the Prophet Muhammed (PBUH) travelled with his followers from Mecca to the city of Medina in 622 CE. This sacred journey was intrinsic to the establishment of the very first Muslim community.
Why Does Date Of The Islamic New Year Change Each Year?
The Islamic months are based on the lunar calendar, which is approximately ten to 12 days shorter than the Gregorian calendar’s solar orbit. Each month in the Islamic calendar will move up the Gregorian calendar by approximately 10 days or more each year.
Will The UAE Get A Day Off For The Islamic New Year?
It has not yet been confirmed when the public holiday for the Islamic New Year will take place.
According to the Cabinet’s resolution No. 27 of 2024, concerning public holidays in the UAE, any of the official holidays listed in Article 1, with the exception of Eid holidays, “may be moved to the beginning or end of the week by a Cabinet decision”.
Thus, it is possible that the The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE), may announce Friday, July 5, or Monday July 8, as a public holiday for the Islamic New Year in the UAE.
Last year, both public and private sector employees were granted a public holiday for the Islamic New Year on Friday July, 21, whilst the 1st Muharram fell on July 19th.
Check back soon for more details.
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