The UAE government has announced a public holiday for federal employees to celebrate the Islamic New Year. Learn about the significance of the event and how the Islamic calendar is determined through moon sightings and astronomical calculations.

The Federal Authority of Human Resources has officially declared the date for the Islamic New Year holiday for federal employees in the UAE. On Friday, July 21, government workers in the federal sector will enjoy a day off to commemorate the Hijri New Year.

The exact date of the new Hijri year, known as Muharram 1, is likely to fall on Wednesday, July 19, according to Ibrahim Al Jarwan, the president of the Emirates Astronomy Society (ESA). The Islamic calendar differs from the Gregorian calendar as it relies on moon sightings, making the dates subject to change based on the visibility of the crescent moon.

It is worth noting that astronomical calculations and moon sightings complement each other in determining the Islamic calendar. In an interview with Khaleej Times, Hasan Hariri, the director of the Dubai Astronomy Group, explained that there are no contradictions between the two methods. He emphasized that the twelve months ordained by God adhere to the gravitational relationship between the Earth and the Moon. Islam encourages the use of knowledge and science, creating a harmonious balance between tradition and scientific understanding.

As the UAE prepares to celebrate the Islamic New Year, the announcement of a public holiday for federal employees allows them to observe and honor this significant occasion. The Islamic New Year marks the beginning of the lunar-based Hijri calendar, offering a time for reflection, renewal, and spiritual growth.