August 10 is likely to be the beginning of the Islamic New Year across most of the Muslim world, according to the Arab Astronomy Centre.
The Islamic New Year is based on the lunar system, unlike Gregorian New Year which is based on the solar system with Muharram being the first month of the Islamic calendar. The first day of Muharram will fall on August 10 (Tuesday) this year in most Islamic countries.
The Astronomy Centre said that most countries are likely to celebrate the Islamic New Year also known as Hijri New Year or Arabic New Year on the same day.
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The Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities department earlier said that the Islamic New Year will fall on Tuesday, August 10, 2021 if the month of Zul Hijjah lasts 30 days. However if the ongoing Zul Hijjah month lasts 29 days then the Islamic New Year holiday will fall on Monday, August 9.
The public and private sectors will remain off on the eve of the Islamic New Year in UAE.
Earlier at the beginning of 2021, it was expected that the Islamic New Year would begin on Thursday, August 12, but changes in moon sightings have thrown up a new date. (AW)
