President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, marked the start of the Islamic New Year with messages of hope, stability and prosperity for the UAE and the wider Muslim world.
Their messages came as Muslims welcomed the beginning of Muharram, the first month of the Islamic calendar.
The UAE Fatwa Council confirmed that Tuesday marks the start of the Hijri New Year after the crescent moon was sighted.
To mark the occasion, employees across the UAE were granted a public holiday on Monday.
In a message posted on X, Sheikh Mohamed said, “On the occasion of Hijri New Year, I extend my warmest wishes to the people of the UAE and Muslims around the world".
“May the year ahead bring continued stability, growth and progress to our region and the broader international community".
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid also shared a message reflecting on the start of the new Islamic year.
“A new Hijri year begins, welcomed with hope that reaches far beyond us all”, he wrote on X.
“We pray that Allah continues to bless the people of the UAE and the Arab and Islamic world with goodness, stability and prosperity.
May Allah protect our homelands and our loved ones. Wishing you a blessed and happy new Islamic year”.