Muharram 1448 AH in Saudi Arabia is expected to begin on Tuesday, 16 June 2026, opening the Islamic New Year and one of the four sacred months of the Hijri calendar.
When Muharram 2026 begins and key dates
The first day of Muharram 1448 AH is expected to fall on 16 June 2026 in Saudi Arabia.
Saudi Arabia sets its dates using the Umm al-Qura calendar, the Kingdom’s official astronomical calendar, though the exact start can shift by a day after the official moon sighting.
The headline dates to plan around:
- 1 Muharram (Hijri New Year): expected Tuesday, 16 June 2026
- 9 Muharram (Tasu’a): expected Wednesday, 24 June 2026
- 10 Muharram (Ashura): expected Thursday, 25 June 2026
Treat all dates as tentative until the Kingdom confirms the sighting. They could move by a day in either direction.
Is Muharram a public holiday in Saudi Arabia?
No, the Hijri New Year is not a paid public holiday in Saudi Arabia, and business runs as normal.
Saudi labour law lists only three statutory holidays. According to the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development, these are Eid al-Fitr, Eid al-Adha and the Kingdom’s National Day.
The Islamic New Year is not among them.
For you as a traveller, this means:
- Shops and malls: open on regular hours
- Banks and government offices: operating normally on working days
- Airports and transport: running full schedules with no holiday closures
- Attractions and restaurants: open as usual, though individual venues may pause briefly around prayer times
What Ashura means and what to expect
Ashura, the 10th of Muharram, is the most significant day of the month and falls around 25 June 2026.
In Saudi Arabia, the day is marked quietly through voluntary fasting, charity and mosque lessons rather than public processions. The Saudi Gazette notes that fasting on Ashura is a strongly encouraged Sunnah, believed to expiate the sins of the previous year.
Many Saudis fast on both the 9th and 10th of Muharram. As a visitor you are under no obligation to fast, but you may notice some colleagues, drivers or hosts doing so.
A few practical things to expect during the first ten days:
- Quieter daytime dining: some locals fast, though restaurants stay open
- Busier mosques: extra lessons and prayers, especially around Ashura
- A reflective tone: no street festivities or fireworks for the New Year
Frequently Asked Questions
When does Muharram 2026 start in Saudi Arabia?
Muharram 1448 AH is expected to begin on 16 June 2026 in Saudi Arabia, based on the Umm al-Qura calendar. The exact date is confirmed after the official moon sighting and may shift by a day.
Is the Islamic New Year a public holiday in Saudi Arabia?
No. Saudi labour law recognises only Eid al-Fitr, Eid al-Adha and National Day as statutory holidays. Shops, offices and airports operate on normal schedules during Muharram.
When is the Day of Ashura in 2026?
Ashura, the 10th of Muharram, is expected to fall on 25 June 2026. Many Saudis observe it with voluntary fasting on the 9th and 10th of the month.
Can I perform umrah during Muharram?
Yes. Umrah is available year-round, but you need a valid permit. Arrange your umrah visa and time slot through the official Nusuk platform before you travel.
Sources
- Time and Date — Muharram (Muslim New Year) 2026 in Saudi Arabia
- Saudi Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development — Holidays and Leaves
- Umm al-Qura Calendar — Saudi Arabia’s Official Hijri Calendar
- Saudi Gazette — The Day of Ashura
- Nusuk — Official Umrah Visa and Permit Platform
- Saudi Tourism Authority — Visit Saudi Visitor Information
