Dubai: The much-anticipated crescent of Rabi Al Awwal was not sighted in the UAE on Saturday, August 23, the country’s astronomy centre confirmed on Sunday.

This means the month of Safar will run for a full 30 days, with Rabi Al Awwal beginning on Monday, August 25, 1447 AH.

The development also sets the date for the Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) birthday on Friday, September 5, which corresponds to 12 Rabi Al Awwal. If officially announced, the date could grant UAE residents a 3-day weekend, with the holiday on Friday followed by the regular Saturday-Sunday weekend.

Prophet’s Birthday Holiday UAE

As of now, UAE authorities have not issued an official statement regarding public holidays. Residents are waiting for confirmation that would turn the religious occasion into an extended weekend break.

Regional Difference

In a rare occurrence, Saudi Arabia and the UAE are marking the start of Rabi Al Awwal on different days. While Saudi Arabia declared Sunday, August 24, as the first day, the UAE and several other countries will begin the month on Monday, August 25.

Other countries starting on Sunday, August 24 include Iraq, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, Palestine, and Egypt. Meanwhile, nations like India, Pakistan, Indonesia, and Oman will align with the UAE in beginning on Monday, August 25.

Significance of Rabi Al Awwal

Rabi Al Awwal holds special importance for Muslims worldwide as it marks the birth of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) on the 12th day of the month. The date is observed as a public holiday in many countries, including the UAE.

Each new month in the Hijri calendar is determined by lunar sightings. On the 29th of every Islamic month, moon-sighting committees convene to determine whether the next month begins the following day.

For UAE residents, the non-sighting of the crescent now means the Prophet’s birthday will fall on September 5, with everyone keeping an eye on the official holiday announcement.