United Arab Emirates Events and Festivals

12/18/2009 - 12/18/2009Islamic New Year (Al-Hijra)

Celebrated throughout the Muslim World, the Islamic New Year or 'Al-Hijra' occurs on the first day of the month of Muharram which begins on Hijra in the Muslim calendar. Hijra occurred in 622CE and marks the occasion when the Prophet Muhammad emigrated from Mecca to Medina to create the first Islamic state. It is not as big as the two main Muslim festivals of Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha and is more a time of reflection and contemplation.