Islamic New Year 2026: UAE announces first day of Muharram
Residents enjoy extended break marking the start of the lunar calendar year
DUBAI – The UAE Fatwa Council has announced Tuesday, June 16, 2026, as the first day of Muharram, marking the beginning of the Islamic year 1448 AH.
The decision was made after reviewing scientific data related to the crescent moon sighting in coordination with specialised scientific authorities and centres across the country. The announcement confirmed the start of the new Hijri/Islamic year following observations linked to the lunar calendar.
يعلن مجلس الإمارات للإفتاء الشرعي
— مجلس الإمارات للإفتاء الشرعي (@fatwauae) June 15, 2026
بعد الاطلاع على المعطيات العلمية المتعلقة برؤية الهلال بالتنسيق مع الجهات والمراكز العلمية المتخصصة في الدولة، أن يوم غدٍ الثلاثاء، الموافق: م 16/06/2026 هو الأول من شهر محرم لسنة 1448هـ.
وبهذه المناسبة نسأل الله تعالى أن يختم عامنا بالمغفرة… pic.twitter.com/6RuDqI2bwj
Earlier, the UAE Astronomy Centre revealed that the crescent moon had been spotted in Abu Dhabi’s skies during daytime by the Khatm Astronomical Observatory. The observation supported the official declaration by the Fatwa Council, which oversees the announcement of key Islamic dates in the UAE.
Islamic New Year
The Islamic calendar is based on lunar months, with each month lasting either 29 or 30 days depending on the moon’s cycle. Muharram is the first month of the Hijri calendar, and the first day marks the beginning of the Islamic New Year.
The UAE’s announcement followed the country’s established process of combining scientific observations with religious considerations to determine important dates. The Fatwa Council also extended prayers for continued security, stability and prosperity in the UAE, while wishing success and wellbeing for the nation’s leadership and residents.
Holiday break
The start of Muharram also provided residents with a public holiday as the UAE government announced Monday, June 15, as a day off to mark the Islamic New Year. For many residents observing Saturday and Sunday as their regular weekend, the holiday created a three-day break.
In Sharjah, government employees and students received a longer break, with the holiday coinciding with the emirate’s Friday, Saturday and Sunday weekend schedule, resulting in a four-day holiday period.
The Fatwa Council also expressed wishes for blessings and prosperity in the new Hijri year, praying for the UAE, its leadership, citizens and residents to continue experiencing goodness and growth.