Tuesday September 11, will be a holiday, with the Ministry of Endowments and Religious affairs confirming that it will be the first day of the new Islamic year.

"Tuesday will be the first day of Muharram for the year 1440 AH corresponding to September 11, 2018," the ministry announced in a statement online.

This comes after "the moon for the month of Muharram was not sighted, meaning that as a result, tomorrow Monday September 10, 2018, will be the last day of Dhulhijah 1439AH," the ministry added.

Earlier this month, Sayyid Khalid bin Hilal bin Saud Al Busaidi, Minister of the Diwan of Royal Court, Chairman of the Civil Service Council issued a decision that " the first day of Muharram 1440 AH will be an official holiday for the employees of the ministries, public authorities and other departments of the State’s Administrative Apparatus. The Muharram moon sighting will be declared by the concerned authorities."

Meanwhile, Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser Al Bakri, Minister of Manpower, also issued a decision on the occasion of the new Hijri year 1440 AH, declaring that the first day of Muharram 1440 AH will be an official holiday for employees of companies and establishments in the private sector, with the Muharram moon sighting to be declared by the concerned authorities.

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