Islamic New Year, also known as Hijri New Year, marks the beginning of the Islamic lunar calendar with the first month, Muharram. Unlike the Gregorian calendar, which is based on solar cycles, the Islamic calendar follows moon phases, leading to varying dates each year relative to the Gregorian calendar.
Last year, in 2023, Hijri New Year fell on July 21, coinciding with a Friday, and was observed as a holiday across public and private sectors. This year, it is expected to commence on Sunday, July 7. However, the question remains whether this will result in a public holiday.
According to resolution No. 27 of 2024, apart from Eid holidays, official holidays can be adjusted by Cabinet decision to create long weekends. Therefore, while a public holiday for Islamic New Year on July 7 is not guaranteed, there is a possibility that the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) could declare either Friday, July 5, 2024, or Monday, July 8, 2024, as a holiday.
The significance of Hijri New Year lies in its commemoration of Prophet Muhammad’s journey from Makkah to Madina in 622 AD, known as the Hijra or migration. This event marks a pivotal moment in Islamic history and serves as a time of reflection and renewal for Muslims worldwide.