Islamic New Year 1448 AH Begins as Saudi Arabia Sights Muharram Moon
Saudi Arabia confirmed the Muharram crescent sighting, marking June 16, 2026, as the first day of the Islamic year 1448 AH, with Ashura falling on June 25.
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Last updated: 18 Jun 2026, 2:20 AM (Saudi time)
Saudi Arabia confirmed the Muharram crescent sighting, marking June 16, 2026, as the first day of the Islamic year 1448 AH, with Ashura falling on June 25.
New carriers and routes, including a flynas Jeddah-Rabat link, Mukhtara Air in Indonesia and resumed Uzbekistan flights, are expanding air access for Umrah pilgrims in the 2026 season.
Bangladesh has released its Hajj 2027 roadmap, requiring pilgrims to register by September 26, 2026, with visas issued from January 28 and flights from April 8, 2027.
Saudi specialists are carrying out the final stages of replacing the Kaaba's Kiswah, the embroidered black silk covering, in the annual operation that marks the start of the new Hijri year.
Saudi Arabia's rail network carried millions of pilgrims during Hajj 2026, with the Mashair Metro shuttling worshippers between the holy sites and the Haramain high-speed line linking Makkah, Madinah and Jeddah.
The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has set the key dates for the 1448 AH Umrah season and reminded pilgrims that visa holders must now enter the Kingdom within a shorter window after issuance.
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