Muharram 1448 AH — the Islamic New Year — begins on Tuesday, 16 June 2026, opening one of the four sacred months in the Islamic calendar.
Below are the confirmed dates, public holidays by country, and what travellers should expect.
Muharram 2026 Calendar and Dates
Muharram 1, 1448 AH — the Hijri New Year — falls on Tuesday, 16 June 2026. Saudi Arabia’s Supreme Court has confirmed the date, in line with the Umm al-Qura calendar.
In countries that rely on local moon sighting, the start may shift by a day. Some observed the evening of Monday, 15 June 2026, while a few may begin on Wednesday, 17 June 2026.
The Day of Ashura — the 10th of Muharram — falls on Thursday, 25 June 2026 in countries following the Umm al-Qura calendar.
| Occasion | Hijri date | Gregorian date 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Islamic New Year (Hijri New Year) | 1 Muharram 1448 AH | Tuesday, 16 June 2026 |
| Day of Ashura | 10 Muharram 1448 AH | Thursday, 25 June 2026 |
Public Holidays by Country
The Hijri New Year is a public holiday across most Muslim-majority countries, though the exact date — and whether the day off is shifted to a Monday or Friday — varies.
In the UAE, the Hijri New Year is an official public holiday for the public and private sectors. The day off has been confirmed for Monday, 15 June 2026, shifted from Tuesday to create a long weekend. See our guide to the UAE’s next long weekends in 2026 to plan your leave.
In Saudi Arabia, the Hijri New Year is recognised but is not a paid national public holiday. Businesses, banks, and government offices typically operate on normal schedules.
In Indonesia, Malaysia, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and several other Muslim-majority countries, 1 Muharram is a gazetted public holiday, with dates aligned to local moon sighting.
For country-specific dates and what is open or closed, see our guides for Pakistan, India, Qatar, and Kuwait.
Travellers planning trips around mid-June 2026 should book flights and hotels early, as Gulf long weekends push up demand for short-haul leisure routes.
How the Hijri New Year Date Is Decided
A year in the Hijri or Islamic calendar has 12 months and spans roughly 354 days. Because it follows the lunar cycle, the Islamic year is about 10 to 11 days shorter than the Gregorian year.
As a result, the Hijri New Year shifts earlier each year on the Gregorian calendar and never syncs with it. A new day begins at sunset, so the new year starts at the sunset before 1 Muharram.
Most Islamic institutions mark the year’s start by the first sighting of the new crescent moon. Saudi Arabia and several other authorities instead use astronomical calculations — the Umm al-Qura calendar — to set the date in advance.
Because of these differences, the Hijri New Year date can vary by a day from one country to another.
How Muharram Is Observed
Muharram is one of the four sacred months in the Islamic calendar, alongside Rajab, Dhul-Qa’dah, and Dhul-Hijjah. It is the second most venerated month after Ramadan.
The 10th day, the Day of Ashura, holds particular significance. Muslims observe it through fasting, prayer, and reflection, and hostility is forbidden during this period.
Common observances during Muharram include:
- Fasting on the 9th and 10th of Muharram (Tasu’a and Ashura), a Sunnah practice recommended by the Prophet
- Increased recitation of the Quran and supplications
- Charitable giving and helping those in need
- Reflection on the Hijra and its lessons of patience, perseverance, and community
- For Shia Muslims, mourning processions and majlis to commemorate the events of Karbala
Unlike other festivals, the Islamic New Year is generally a quiet observance focused on reflection rather than festivity.
Travelling During Muharram 2026
A few practical points are worth keeping in mind if you are travelling during Muharram 2026.
In the UAE, the long weekend around 15–16 June 2026 drives higher demand for outbound flights and staycation bookings — booking ahead helps lock in better fares. For ideas, see how to spend the break on Hudayriyat Island in Abu Dhabi.
In Saudi Arabia, public services and most businesses operate normally during Muharram, including in Makkah and Madinah, where pilgrim numbers stay steady year-round.
If you are visiting Muslim-majority countries during the first 10 days of Muharram, expect quieter nightlife and a more subdued atmosphere, especially on the Day of Ashura. Some restaurants may keep shorter hours, and live entertainment may pause as a mark of respect.
Search and compare flights on Wego to find the best fares for your Muharram 2026 travel plans.
FAQs
When is Muharram 2026?
Muharram 1, 1448 AH begins on Tuesday, 16 June 2026, confirmed by Saudi Arabia and the UAE. The exact start may shift by a day in countries that rely on local moon sighting.
When is the Day of Ashura 2026?
The Day of Ashura, the 10th of Muharram, falls on Thursday, 25 June 2026, subject to moon sighting confirmation in countries that observe it locally.
Is the Hijri New Year a public holiday in the UAE?
Yes. The Hijri New Year is an official public holiday in the UAE for both public and private sectors. For 2026, the day off has been confirmed for Monday, 15 June, creating a long weekend.
Is the Hijri New Year a public holiday in Saudi Arabia?
No. The Hijri New Year is not a paid national public holiday in Saudi Arabia. Government offices, banks, and businesses typically follow normal hours.
What Hijri year begins in 2026?
The Islamic year 1448 AH begins with 1 Muharram on Tuesday, 16 June 2026.
Why does the Hijri New Year date change every year?
The Islamic calendar is lunar and is about 10 to 11 days shorter than the Gregorian calendar. As a result, the Hijri New Year shifts earlier on the Gregorian calendar each year.
Sources
- Umm Al-Qura Calendar — Saudi Arabia’s Official Calendar
- Khaleej Times — Muharram to Begin June 16 as UAE Declares Start of Islamic Year 1448 AH
- Khaleej Times — UAE Announces Hijri New Year Holiday for Public and Private Sectors
- Gulf News — Dubai Declares June 15, 2026 Islamic New Year Holiday
- Arabian Business — Saudi Arabia Confirms Islamic New Year Date
Disclaimer: Wego strives to ensure all information presented in this article is accurate and up to date at the time of publication. Travel policies, prices, visa requirements, and conditions can change rapidly. We strongly recommend verifying critical details with official sources before making travel decisions. Wego does not accept liability for any inaccuracies, oversights, or changes that may occur after publication.
