United Arab Emirates has officially declared June 15, 2026, as a Public Holiday for employees in both the government and private sectors to mark the beginning of the Islamic New Year.
According to the announcement, offices and businesses across the UAE will remain closed on June 15. Regular operations are expected to resume on Tuesday, June 16.
The declaration has also increased interest in Pakistan, where preparations are underway for the arrival of the Islamic year 1448 AH. However, the exact date for the start of Muharram in Pakistan has not yet been officially confirmed.
Astronomical forecasts released by the Ruet-e-Hilal Research Council suggest that the first day of Muharram is likely to fall on June 17, 2026. If the prediction proves correct, the Islamic New Year would begin on that date in Pakistan.
Ruet-e-Hilal Research Council Secretary General Khalid Ejaz Mufti said the new moon is expected to be born on June 15 at 7:54 AM. However, astronomical conditions on the same evening are not considered favorable for moon sighting.
Experts explained that by sunset on June 15, the moon will be less than 12 hours old in Pakistan. Normally, a moon age of around 18 hours is considered more suitable for visibility.
In addition, there will be only a short gap between sunset and moonset. This limited observation window is expected to make crescent sighting extremely difficult across the country.
Astronomers believe that the Muharram moon is unlikely to be visible anywhere in Pakistan, even with the help of telescopes or binoculars. As a result, the current forecast suggests that Dhul Hijjah 1447 AH will complete 30 days.
If that happens, Muharram and the Islamic New Year will likely begin on June 17. However, officials emphasize that this remains a prediction and not a final decision.
The official announcement regarding the start of the new Islamic year will be made by Pakistan’s Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee after reviewing verified moon sighting reports from across the country.
Meanwhile, the UAE’s decision to grant a Public Holiday has already been confirmed, giving millions of employees a day off to observe the occasion.
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In Pakistan, citizens are now waiting for the official moon sighting decision, which will determine whether a Public Holiday is announced for the Islamic New Year and related observances in the country.
