The MOHRE (Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation) announced the dates of the Islamic New Year holidays on 2nd July 2024.
On the auspicious occasion of the New Islamic Year, the MOHRE has declared an official paid holiday on Sunday, 7 July 2024, in the private sector all across the United Arab Emirates.
In the Emirates, the Islamic New Year is quieter and peaceful as compared to New Year’s celebrations in the Gregorian calendar, which are comparatively more festive. People spend time together with their families, and some people go to offer prayers and attend community events.
The Islamic New Year is a time to think about the values of patience and faith, recall the teachings of the event of Karbala as we enter the first holy month of Muharram, and the lessons from the Prophet’s journey.
What is the Hijri calendar?
The year of migration of the Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H) from Mecca to Madina (Muslim Holy Cities in what is now Saudi Arabia) marked the beginning of the Hijri or the Islamic Year as 1 AH (After Hijri).
As of today, we are in 1445 AH, and on 7th July—Muharram 1st—marks the beginning of the Hijri year 1446 AH. The Islamic New Year holiday decision to make July 7th a holiday for the Islamic New Year highlights the UAE’s dedication to its cultural and religious roots.
Final Word
Subsequent to the Islamic New Year holiday, the UAE residents can look forward to another holiday on the occasion of the Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) Birthday, which will be observed on Sunday, September 15, 2024.
Similar to the UAE, neighboring nations like Oman have also made official announcements with respect to holidays on the Islamic New Year for both private and public sectors.
Compared to Eid Al Adha and Eid Al Fitr, no major religious rituals are practiced on the Islamic New Year. Instead, the Islamic New Year is seen as a day of introspection not festivity.
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