Hijri (Islamic New Year) holiday in UAE to fall on September 1
29 August 2019
Dubai: UAE residents can gear up for a long weekend as the first of Muharram or Islamic New Year holiday is likely to fall on September 1, according to Islamic calendar and astronomers.
According to astronomers, the moon can be seen on August 30 only in Polynesian Islands with difficulty or in parts of US with optical aids. It means that Muharram 1 will fall on September 1 as the crescent can been seen easily in the UAE and thre rest of the world on August 31 only.
Also, since Islamic month of Muharram started on September 11 last year, it will mostly likely start on September 1 this year. If it happens so, UAE residents will have long weekend from Friday 30 to September 1. It means that government offices will remain closed for three days from Friday to Sunday while the schools will open on September 2.
UAE has already delcared Muharram 1 as the public holidays for public and private sector.
However, the official announcement will be made on Friday, August 30 evening when the moon sighting committee meets.
Hijri New Year holiday likely in UAE on Sunday, September 1
Islamic month starts with the sighing of the new moon. According to astronomy groups, moon is 28 days old on Thursday, August 29. It means it is 28th of Dhu al Hijja –the last month of Islamic (Hijri) Calendar.
Islamic Calendar depends on the movement of the moon. The beginning of each month is marked by the observance of a new moon seen for the first time. Visibility of the new moon depends on various factors such as weather hence; Islamic Calendar is only an estimate of the future Islamic events.
The expected Gregorian Date on 1st Muharram 1441 is 1st September, 2019 or 2nd September, 2019 depending on your location.
The moon crescent for the Hijri New Year (Islamic New Year) is likely to be seen in the UAE on Saturday, August 31, an astronomical body has announced. Therefore, Muharram 1, 1441, is likely to be observed on Sunday, September 1.
Most countries will observe the crescent on August 31, the International Astronomical Centre announced.
According to the centre, the crescent can be seen using optical aid on August 30 in select countries in North and South America, whereas it can be seen with the naked eye in most countries in the world on August 31.
A one-day holiday has been declared in the UAE for both public and private sectors on account of the Islamic New Year. The RTA on Wednesday announced free parking for motorists in Dubai on the occasion.