Latest news with #DhuAlHijjah
Gulf Business
01-07-2025
- Business
- Gulf Business
New Umrah season: How many visas have been issued so far?
The The Umrah season formally began on Tuesday, 14 Dhu Al-Hijjah 1446 AH (June 10, 2025), with visa applications opened through the country's integrated digital platform, 'Nusuk'. The move aligns with Saudi Arabia's broader goals under Vision 2030, aimed at enhancing religious tourism and modernising services provided to pilgrims. Read- According to a r The early rush of Umrah applications follows a notably successful Hajj season, during which the country implemented streamlined procedures, boosted technical infrastructure, and achieved significant gains in performance and service efficiency. These upgrades contributed to a smoother and more fulfilling experience for pilgrims. Passports directorate launches 30-day grace period for expired visit visas In a related development, the General Directorate of Passports launched a 30-day initiative beginning Muharram 1, 1447 AH, to allow the Eligible individuals must pay any required fees and penalties as per regulations. Applications for extension can be submitted via the 'Tawasul Service' on the Ministry of Interior's Absher electronic platform. Authorities have urged all those affected to take advantage of the grace period and ensure compliance before the deadline to avoid legal complications. Housing contracts now mandatory for Umrah Visa issuance Meanwhile, the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has issued a directive requiring Umrah companies, establishments, and international agents to document housing contracts for all Umrah performers. These This new measure aims to improve service quality, protect pilgrim rights, and ensure regulatory compliance. The issuance of Umrah visas is now contingent upon submitting a documented accommodation contract. The policy took effect at the start of the Umrah season and reflects enhanced cooperation between the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah and the Ministry of Tourism. Authorities stressed that early documentation is crucial to avoid processing delays or potential violations. This initiative is expected to enhance safety, comfort, and the overall experience for Umrah performers from arrival to departure, while also regulating the hospitality sector during peak seasons. Umrah season launch reflects broader Vision 2030 goals The launch of the 1447 AH Umrah season not only signals the return of millions of religious visitors but also underscores Saudi Arabia's push to realize the objectives outlined in Vision 2030, particularly in the area of religious tourism. According to the Ministry, the Nusuk app continues to play a central role in this transformation. It enables pilgrims to obtain permits digitally, access real-time updates, and receive support in multiple languages. Technical preparations began well in advance of the season's opening, with coordination from several government agencies to ensure high service standards. Efforts have also These enhancements are part of a broader plan to position the Kingdom as a leader in smart pilgrimage management, ensuring that visitors to the Two Holy Mosques enjoy a spiritually fulfilling and comfortable experience. As the 1447 AH Umrah season progresses, the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah is expected to continue introducing reforms and technological innovations to streamline the pilgrimage journey. With early indicators pointing to strong demand, the Kingdom remains committed to offering an elevated level of service, while maintaining safety, efficiency, and transparency across all stages of the Umrah process.
Time Out Dubai
18-06-2025
- Politics
- Time Out Dubai
Islamic New Year: Here's why it will be a long weekend in 2025
The United Arab Emirates has confirmed that the Islamic New Year will be marked with a three-day long weekend in 2025. The announcement, made on Monday June 16, meant that we knew the official day off without waiting on the moon sighting committee to spot the crescent of Muharram. Islamic New Year is one of several public holidays in the UAE that, traditionally, rely on the Hijri calendar to be determined. Months in the Islamic Hijri calendar are either 29 or 30 days long, depending on the moon's visibility. In 2024, the date of Islamic New Year fell on a weekend, which meant that for the majority of people living in the UAE, there was no additional day off to mark the occasion. However, at the beginning of 2025, the UAE introduced a new public holiday law that allowed for more flexibility in when holidays tied to the Islamic Hijri calendar are celebrated. Introduced on January 1 2025, the new law allows the UAE government to move holidays to the beginning or the end of the week and improve our chances of more long weekends throughout the year. So, while the official start of the new Islamic year 1447 AH won't be confirmed until the evening of Wednesday June 25, we know that Friday June 27 will be an official holiday for the private and public sectors. Current astronomical predictions indicate that Dhu Al Hijjah will be a 29-day month, which would mean that Thursday June 26 is the likely first day of the Islamic year. But if Dhu Al Hijjah is a 30-day month, then Friday June 27 will be the first day of the break. The Islamic New Year public holiday has been announced (Credit: Canva) This would have no bearing on the start of the public holiday, however, as only one day is set aside for the occasion in the UAE public holiday law. The article in the UAE public holiday law related to the transfer of official holidays applies to all occasions except Eid Al Fitr and Eid Al Adha. If the Eid holidays fall on a weekend, then they won't shift to another time of the week. However, the Islamic New Year and Prophet Muhammad's Birthday (PBUH) are holidays that can now move around the week to give us a long weekend. More news in Dubai There will be two Ramadans in 2030 – here's why This won't happen again until 2063 When you can expect three Eid holidays in one year (yes, three) Eid, sleep, repeat UAE public holidays 2026: All the predicted days off next year revealed Including when we can expect a six-day weekend
Time Out Dubai
18-06-2025
- Politics
- Time Out Dubai
UAE Islamic New Year 2025 holiday announced
The United Arab Emirates has announced the official Islamic New Year public holiday for 2025. Private and public sector workers will enjoy a bumper three-day long weekend between Friday June 27 and Sunday June 29. The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) revealed that Friday June 27 will be the official Islamic New Year holiday for private sector workers. And the Federal Authority for Government Human Resources also revealed that Friday June 27 will be the official holiday for government workers. Last year, the Islamic New Year fell on a weekend –which, for most people in the UAE, is already a weekend – and this year it looks like we're set for a day off. The Islamic New Year marks the start of the Hijri calendar and the first day of the month of Muharram. While the public holiday marking the start of the new Islamic year has been announced, we won't know when the Hijri month begins until the evening of Wednesday June 25. Current predictions indicate that the celebration will fall on Thursday June 26, but there is a chance it could fall on Friday June 27, if Dhu Al Hijjah is a 30-day month. According to the UAE Public Holiday law introduced at the start of 2025, official holidays can be moved to the beginning or end of the week by cabinet decision. It's the first time since the law was introduced that the cabinet has used this power to move the holiday to ensure a long weekend. What is Islamic New Year? The Islamic New Year marks the beginning of every year in the Hijri calendar and falls on the first day of Muharram. Also referred to as Hijra or Al Hijri, the occasion is celebrated like any other public holiday in Dubai with big fireworks displays, dining deals and more. During Muharram, particularly on the 10th day known as Ashura, Muslims commemorate various historical events, including the martyrdom of Husayn ibn Ali, the grandson of Prophet Muhammad, in the Battle of Karbala. This day holds profound significance, especially for Shia Muslims, who participate in mourning rituals and processions. Why the Islamic New Year holiday date changes every year The upcoming holiday is one of four public holidays in the UAE that rely on the Islamic calendar to determine when it begins. Also known as the Hijri calendar, the Islamic calendar is based on the cycles of the moon, unlike the more widely used Gregorian calendar, which is based on the sun. In the Islamic calendar, a new month begins with the sighting of the new crescent moon. This can sometimes lead to slight variations in the start of months between different regions due to differences in moon sighting. (This also explains why Ramadan and Eid start on different days in different countries). You might also like: UAE public holidays: Every long weekend to look forward to in 2025 The dates to know 22 pictures that show how much Dubai has changed from the 1950s to today Take a look at these unrecognisable photos of the city 112 best things to do in Dubai in 2025 Everything to tick off your Dubai bucket list
Time Out Dubai
12-06-2025
- Time Out Dubai
Islamic New Year 2025: Why it could be a long weekend in Dubai
The next UAE public holiday is nearly here – and there is a chance that it could give people living in Dubai a bumper long weekend. Set to arrive at the end of June, the Islamic New Year is guaranteed to give us at least one day off work as outlined in the UAE public holidays law. The exact date of the Islamic New Year depends on when the UAE's moon-sighting committee spots the crescent of Muharram in the Hijri calendar. Officially, the first day of Muharram is a public holiday in Dubai and the rest of the UAE, but there is a possibility that celebrations could roll over into Saturday and Sunday, which would then give us a three-day long weekend. The exact date of the holiday depends on whether Dhu Al Hijjah, the 12th and final month in the Islamic calendar, is a 29-day or 30-day month. Current astronomical predictions indicate that the Islamic New Year will fall on Thursday June 26 as Dhu Al Hijjah, the final Islamic month of the year, is predicted to be a 29-day month. But if Dhu Al Hijjah is a 30-day month, then the public holiday will fall on Friday June 27 instead. And, when combined with the weekend, this would give us a three-day long weekend to mark the Islamic New Year. In either scenario, we'll get some well-earned time off work in June, but only one outcome gives the majority of workers in Dubai three consecutive days off. The next UAE public holiday after the Islamic New Year After the Islamic New Year, the next UAE public holiday will be the Prophet Muhammad's Birthday (PBUH). This holiday is held on the 12th day of the Islamic month of Rabi' Al-Awwal, the third month of the Islamic calendar, and is currently predicted to give Dubai residents a three-day long weekend. Currently, the holiday is predicted to begin on Friday September 5, which would also give us a three-day long weekend. You might also like: UAE public holidays: Every long weekend to look forward to in 2025 The dates to know 22 pictures that show how much Dubai has changed from the 1950s to today Take a look at these unrecognisable photos of the city 112 best things to do in Dubai in 2025 Everything to tick off your Dubai bucket list
Economy ME
12-06-2025
- Science
- Economy ME
Strawberry Moon shines over Saudi Arabia's Northern Borders Region, occurring once every 18.6 years
Saudi Arabia's Northern Borders Region witnessed a rare celestial spectacle yesterday evening with the rise of the full moon of Dhu Al-Hijjah, commonly referred to as the Strawberry Moon. This event signifies the last full moon of the year 1446 AH, emerging from the farthest point on the southeastern horizon. Such a phenomenon takes place only once every 18.6 years, with the next occurrence anticipated in 2043. Astronomical experts clarify that this event is associated with the Moon's extreme southern declination, part of the Metonic Cycle, which spans approximately 19 years, the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported. Upon its ascent, the Moon exhibited a golden-pink hue due to atmospheric effects, earning it the title 'Strawberry Moon,' a name attributed in some cultures to signify the last full moon of spring. The Northern Borders Region has become a preferred locale for observing astronomical events, credited to its expansive horizons and minimal light pollution, which significantly enhances visibility of the night sky. Story behind the Strawberry Moon The term Strawberry Moon derives from the fact that June is the month when strawberries are harvested, according to the Old Farmer's Almanac. Moons are often named for the seasons, as seen with May's Flower Moon, which references the abundance of blossoms in spring. According to Western Washington University, the Strawberry Moon name was embraced by several Indigenous tribes. Other Native American tribes have referred to this lunar phenomenon as the Hot Moon and the Blooming Moon, celebrating the spring season, and the Hatching Moon or Birth Moon, symbolizing new life. Beyond North America, Europeans have historically referred to it as the Rose Moon or the Honey Moon, as June marks the beginning of the honey harvest. Read more | Blood Worm Moon: What to know and how to watch this week's total lunar eclipse (Photo Credit: SPA) Tips for observing the Strawberry Moon The moon is clearest when viewed from locations free of light pollution and at elevated positions. For those planning ahead for 2026, ideal viewing spots should offer an unobstructed view of the eastern horizon. Generally, best practices for moon observation suggest allowing 'plenty of time for your eyes to adjust and look carefully,' as noted by NASA . However, the full moon can be observed in greater detail using binoculars or a small telescope, enabling viewers to see various features of the moon, including its mountain ridges and impact marks from other celestial bodies. As for the 2025 Strawberry Moon, it was notably the lowest-hanging full moon of the year as perceived from the Northern Hemisphere. According to EarthSky, this Strawberry Moon was the lowest full moon since 2006, attributed to the major lunar standstill. This phenomenon, occurring every 18.6 years, results in moonrise and moonset happening at the most extreme northern and southern points.
