How to Spot and Avoid Common Investment Scams in 2024

Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates announced on June 16, 2026, that the Islamic New Year 1448 AH began on Tuesday, June 16. The announcement followed official crescent moon sightings, with the Day of Ashura expected to fall on June 25, 2026, according to government reports.

The Saudi Supreme Court confirmed the start of the month of Muharram after observers reported the sighting of the new moon. This declaration establishes the official calendar for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and serves as a primary reference for Muslim communities worldwide. The UAE’s Moon Sighting Committee similarly verified the crescent, aligning the start of the new lunar year with its neighbor.

The transition to 1448 AH marks the beginning of the first month of the Islamic lunar calendar. Because the lunar year is approximately 11 days shorter than the Gregorian solar year, the start date of the Islamic New Year shifts backward each year on the Gregorian calendar.

How was the start of 1448 AH determined?

The determination of the new year relies on the visual sighting of the hilal, or the thin crescent moon, at the end of the preceding month. In Saudi Arabia, the Supreme Court manages this process by coordinating with a network of certified observers across the country. These observers look for the moon immediately after sunset on the 29th day of the previous month.

If the moon is sighted, the next day is the first of the new month. If it isn’t seen, the current month is completed to 30 days. The Saudi Supreme Court issued its decree on June 15, 2026, confirming that the crescent was visible, which set June 16 as the first day of Muharram 1448 AH.

The UAE follows a similar protocol through its Moon Sighting Committee. While some countries rely on astronomical calculations to pre-determine dates, Saudi Arabia and the UAE maintain a preference for visual confirmation. This method ensures that the religious calendar remains tied to the actual lunar cycle, though it can lead to one-day differences between various countries depending on where the moon is first spotted.

When is the Day of Ashura in 2026?

The Day of Ashura occurs on the 10th day of Muharram. Based on the start of the New Year on June 16, Ashura is expected to fall on June 25, 2026. This date is a significant day of observance for Muslims, though the nature of the observance varies by tradition.

For many, the day is marked by fasting. According to Islamic tradition, fasting on the 10th of Muharram is recommended, and many practitioners also fast on the 9th or 11th to distinguish their practice from other faith traditions. The fast on Ashura is believed to provide spiritual atonement for the previous year’s sins.

In Shia tradition, Ashura is a day of mourning. It commemorates the martyrdom of Husayn ibn Ali, the grandson of the Prophet Muhammad, at the Battle of Karbala in 680 AD. Observances often include processions, public mourning gatherings, and the recitation of elegies to remember the events of the battle.

Why is the month of Muharram significant?

Muharram is one of the four sacred months in the Islamic calendar, alongside Rajab, Dhul-Qi’dah, and Dhul-Hijjah. In these months, traditional Islamic law prohibits fighting and warfare, emphasizing peace and spiritual reflection. The month serves as a period of transition and a time for Muslims to set intentions for the coming year.

The start of the month is not a public holiday in the same way as Eid al-Fitr or Eid al-Adha, but it is observed with prayer and reflection. In many Middle Eastern countries, the announcement of the new year triggers a shift in administrative and religious scheduling, particularly for those following the Hijri calendar for official business.

The coordination between the Saudi and UAE announcements on June 16 shows a high level of consistency in moon-sighting reports between the two Gulf nations. This alignment reduces confusion for residents and expatriates living in the region who observe the lunar dates for religious practices.