Dubai to observe dry day on August 19, 20

Our Correspondent

There will be no public events to celebrate the Islamic New Year, also known as the Al Hijri New Year, with hotels and bars asked not to serve alcohol or host live entertainment since Muslims do not mark the Islamic event with celebrations.

While both private and public sector employees will get a holiday on August 23 to mark the Islamic New Year, Hijri 1442, the emirate of Dubai has instructed hotels, resorts, tour boats, leisure and sports clubs to refrain from holding entertainment activities and parties. The Tourism department has sought compliance with the decree from 6.30 pm on August 19 to 7.30 pm on August 20.

Dubai, Ajman and Abu Dhabi allows hotels and non-Muslim residents above the age of 21 to obtain an alcohol licence for a fee; in Sharjah alcohol possession and consumption is illegal while the remaining three emirates do not require any licence.

Hijri is derived from Arabic word Hijrah, which means migration. Thus, Al Hijri specifically refers to the migration of Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) more than 14 centuries ago. Muharram is the first month in the Islamic lunar calendar and differs from the solar Gregorian calendar in that it is 11-12 days shorter. To mark the first day of Muharram, Muslims recite verses from the Quran and hold special prayers and sermons at mosques.

Holiday declared in Oman

In neighbouring Oman, the Oman News Agency said the first day of Muharram 1442 will be an official holiday.

According to the Ministry of Endowments and Religious Affairs (MERA), if the moon is sighted on Wednesday, August 19, then the Muharram holiday will be on Thursday, August 20. However, if it falls on Friday, August 21, the leave will be given on Sunday, Muharram 3, 1442 (August 23) instead.

The Astronomical Affairs Department at MERA said that the sighting of the moon of Muharram will be possible on Wednesday August 19 if the weather is clear.