A holiday has been been announced for the pubic and private sectors, across the UAE, on Sunday 23 August on the occasion of Islamic New Year.
Muharram 1, the beginning of Al Hijri New Year, is expected to fall on Sunday, 23 August, dependent on the sighting of the new moon.
What is Al Hijri New Year
Known as the Hijra, the migration of the Prophet Mohammed (PBUH) from Makkah to Madinah marked the beginning of the Islamic era, or 1AH, in 622AD. The Islamic year consists of 12 lunar months and is between 10 to 12 days shorter than the Gregorian year.