Islamic New Year is coming soon, and with it being an official public holiday in the country, everyone is waiting to see if we will get a public holiday this year. The Islamic New Year, also known as Hijri New Year, signifies the start of Muharram, the first month in the Islamic calendar.
The Islamic calendar is based on lunar cycles, which means its dates don’t align with the solar-based Gregorian calendar. This shift in dates also affects when the Islamic New Year is celebrated. Last year, it fell on July 21, a Friday, which resulted in a public holiday for both sectors. This year, the Islamic New Year is expected to begin on Sunday, July 7.
So, Are We Getting A Holiday For Islamic New Year in UAE?
So, what does this mean for a potential public holiday? While a Sunday start might suggest no holiday, there’s still hope. According to Resolution No. 27 of 2024, holidays (except for Eid) can be moved to the beginning or end of the week by a Cabinet decision. This leaves the door open for a possible holiday on either Friday, July 5th, or Monday, July 8th.
We’ll keep a close eye on official announcements from the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE). Whether you’re planning a day off or just staying informed, we will provide updates as soon as any new information is available.
Stay tuned to find out if Dubai will enjoy an extra day off for the Islamic New Year 2024!
