President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed offered his best wishes in anticipation of the upcoming Islamic New Year on Sunday. He conveyed his greetings via X, expressing: "I extend my congratulations to the people of the Emirates and all Muslims worldwide on the occasion of the new Hijri year, and I pray to God Almighty to bless it as a year filled with goodness, blessings, and peace for our nation, the region, and the entire world."
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE, and Ruler of Dubai, similarly used X to wish everyone a "joyful new Hijri year." He stated: "We extend our congratulations to the people of the Emirates and the Arab and Islamic nations on the new Hijri year. May God return it to us with goodness, peace, and stability. The Prophet’s migration symbolizes for Muslims a new beginning, a continuous movement, and relentless progress." He further added: "This migration signifies a symbol of sacrifice, hope, and effort. May God grant us all the success to work for the betterment of our country and its people in this new Hijri year."
Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the UAE's Vice-President, Deputy Prime Minister, and Minister of the Presidential Court, also took to social media, writing: "I congratulate our leadership, government, people, and all Muslims around the world on the occasion of the new Hijri year. I pray to God Almighty that it will be a year of goodness, peace, and development for our beloved country and the entire world."
In a social media message, Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Crown Prince of Dubai, also extended his wishes for a "happy new year," saying: "We congratulate our wise leadership and our esteemed people on the arrival of the new Hijri year... and we ask God to return it to our country and to all Arab and Islamic peoples with Yemen, goodness, and prosperity."
It was announced on Tuesday that Sunday, July 7, will be a paid holiday for private sector employees in the UAE. The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (Mohre) declared this holiday, which falls on a Sunday, in celebration of the Hijri New Year. On the Islamic calendar, this date corresponds to Muharram 1, marking the commencement of the new Hijri year 1446 AH.
In the UAE, residents have a few holidays remaining before the end of the year, including one on the occasion of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)'s birthday. The country will also observe National Day with a long weekend, marking the year's final official holiday.
