Riyadh (Lord Media): The Islamic New Year 1448 Hijri has commenced in several Arab countries, including Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, and Bahrain. According to Arab media, the crescent moon for Muharram was sighted in Saudi Arabia and other Gulf nations. Following confirmation by the Saudi Supreme Court and moon sighting committees, June 16, 2026, has been declared as the first of Muharram.
Several Arab nations have announced public holidays to mark the new Hijri year. In the United Arab Emirates, both public and private sector employees have been given a holiday on the first of Muharram. Similarly, government offices in Qatar and Kuwait will remain closed, and holidays have also been declared in Bahrain and Oman.
In contrast, the Muharram moon was not sighted in Pakistan and several other Asian countries, where the first of Muharram will be observed on June 18.
Muharram is the first month of the Islamic calendar and is considered one of the four sacred months in Islam. The beginning of the new Hijri year holds spiritual and historical significance for Muslims, with the 10th of Muharram, known as Ashura, holding a special place in Islamic history.
