The crescent moon marking the start of Muharram, the first month in the Islamic Hijri calendar, was sighted on Wednesday evening, June 25, in Saudi Arabia. This means Hijri year 1447 AH officially begins on Friday, June 27.

To mark the occasion, private sector employees in the UAE will enjoy a paid public holiday on Friday, giving many residents a three-day weekend, especially those who already have Saturday and Sunday off.

The UAE’s International Astronomy Centre also confirmed the sighting, sharing an image of the crescent captured during daylight hours on Thursday morning from Al-Khatm Astronomical Observatory in Abu Dhabi. The photo was taken at 8:45am (UAE time), showing the moon 12 degrees from the sun and 17 hours old.

What This Means for UAE Residents:

• Friday, June 27, is a public holiday for the Islamic New Year (Muharram 1).
• Regular work resumes on Monday, June 30.
• Many residents will enjoy a long weekend from June 27 to 29, making it perfect for a short getaway or quality time with family.

Hijri New Year is a reflective and spiritual time for many in the Muslim world, marking the Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) migration from Makkah to Madinah. While it is not widely celebrated with festivals, it is a day for reflection, prayer, and peace.

Abu Dhabi is welcoming the Hijri year 1447 in spectacular style, with illuminated decorations and vibrant art installations now adorning the city’s Corniche and bridges.

The initiative, led by the Department of Municipalities and Transport through Abu Dhabi City Municipality, is designed to reflect the spiritual essence and cultural beauty of the Islamic New Year, while adding to the emirate’s urban charm.

A Blend of Faith, Heritage and Art

The glowing displays feature intricate designs inspired by Islamic architecture, nature, and Emirati heritage, with the phrase “Hijri Year 1447” etched across many pieces. Using a stunning mix of golden yellow, white, pistachio, and sky blue hues, the decorations bring a festive and spiritual energy to the cityscape.

At the Abu Dhabi Corniche, visitors will find illuminated curtains suspended between lampposts, blending Eid Al Adha and Hijri New Year motifs in a celebration of light, colour, and joy.

Designed with Safety & Sustainability in Mind

All installations use energy-efficient LED lights and weather-resistant materials to ensure both durability and safety. Each piece has been strategically placed to match the layout of streets and walkways, making the city’s celebration beautiful and secure for pedestrians and drivers alike.

So whether you’re strolling the Corniche or driving through the city, take a moment to enjoy Abu Dhabi’s glowing tribute to the start of the Islamic calendar year, a celebration of faith, tradition, and forward-looking beauty.

Heads up, Dubai residents. In celebration of the Hijri New Year, all public parking in Dubai will be free on Friday, June 27, except for multi-level parking terminals. Regular parking fees will resume on Saturday, June 28, the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) announced.

Public Transport Hours – Friday, June 27

• Dubai Metro: 5am (June 27) to 1am (June 28)
• Dubai Tram: 6am (June 27) to 1am (June 28)

RTA Service Centres

• Closed: All RTA Customer Happiness Centres and service provider centres
• Open: Smart Customer Happiness Centres in Umm Ramool, Deira, Al Barsha, and RTA Head Office (available 24/7)

Vehicle Testing

• No technical testing on Friday, services resume Saturday, June 28.

For the latest updates on bus and marine transport schedules, commuters are encouraged to check the RTA or S’hail app.