Islamic New Year in the United Arab Emirates
Islamic New Year, also called Hijri New Year, begins on 1 Muharram and is a one-day public holiday for the UAE’s public and private sectors. UAE religious and cultural messaging connects the occasion with the Prophetic Hijrah and its values, including faith and determination.[1][2][3]
A date in the Hijri calendar
The UAE’s public-holiday resolution lists Hijri New Year on 1 Muharram for one day. Its Gregorian date changes because Islamic occasions depend on the sighting of the moon; the UAE’s Hijri calendar is prepared using religious, astronomical and scientific methods.[1][2][3]
The Hijri calendar is lunar and has 354 days, so its months move through the Gregorian calendar over time. For practical planning, check the latest UAE announcement for the confirmed Gregorian date.[4]
Meaning and observance in the UAE
The UAE’s official messaging around the new Hijri year recalls the Prophetic Hijrah and values associated with it, including faith, determination and nation-building. The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre also issues a UAE Hijri calendar to identify the beginnings of Hijri months and provide prayer-time information across the country.[3]
The Centre describes the Hijri calendar as part of religious practice and cultural heritage in the UAE.[3]
Public-holiday rules and practical planning
The holiday is listed for both public and private sectors. The resolution allows the Cabinet to move listed holidays to the beginning or end of a week, except Eid holidays, but says a public holiday cannot be transferred if it falls on a weekend or another public holiday. A separate substitute day is therefore not automatic when Hijri New Year falls on a weekend.[1][2]
A public holiday does not by itself establish the opening hours of every office, bank, shop or transport service. Check the specific service before travelling or making an appointment, and consult official announcements for any holiday arrangements.[1][2]
Frequently asked questions
Is Islamic New Year a public holiday in the UAE?
When does it fall?
Is there always a substitute day if it falls on a weekend?
No. The public-holiday resolution says a holiday cannot be transferred if it falls on a weekend or another public holiday.[1]
Sources and references
Sources used for Islamic New Year in United Arab Emirates:
- Cabinet Resolution No. (27) of 2024 Concerning the Public Holidays in the State- United Arab Emirates Legislations
- Public holidays- The Official Platform of the UAE Government
- Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre launches UAE Hijri Calendar for 1448 AH- Emirates News Agency
- Ramadan- The Official Platform of the UAE Government