Dubai Time Now • Asia/Dubai Time zone | Islamic Calendar 2023 | Hijri Months
Current Dubai time now, United Arab Emirates is
Asia/Dubai time zone offset is: UTC / GMT +04:00 hours
The current local time is in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (Asia/Dubai time zone). Find out how the Asia/Dubai time zone works. Local time and date, DST adjusted (where ever daylight saving time is applicable) current time in all cities/countries belonging to the Dubai Time zone.
Dubai follows the same time zone as other cities in the UAE, such as Abu Dhabi and Sharjah. During the summer months, Dubai also observes Daylight Saving Time (DST) and moves its clocks forward by one hour to make the most of the longer days. However, DST is not observed during the holy month of Ramadan, when working hours are also reduced. It’s important to note that the UAE is constantly evolving, and the local government may choose to change its DST policies or time zone in the future.
The United Arab Emirates, of which Dubai is a part, also follows the Islamic calendar, which is a lunar calendar based on the cycles of the moon. The Islamic calendar has 12 lunar months and is approximately 11 days shorter than the Gregorian calendar. The start of each month is determined by the sighting of the new moon, and the Islamic year begins with the month of Muharram. Islamic holidays, such as Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr, are based on the Islamic calendar and their dates may vary from year to year according to the lunar cycle. However, public holidays in Dubai, such as National Day and New Year’s Day, are based on the Gregorian calendar and are celebrated on fixed dates.
Islamic Calendar 2023 | Hijri Months
1 Muḥarram – ٱلْمُحَرَّم
Meaning – Forbidden
A holy month so named because all forms of combat are prohibited (arm) during this time. Muḥarram includes ‘Āshūrā’, the tenth day.
2 Safar – صَفَر
Meaning – Void
Safar is the second month of the Islamic calendar and is considered a month of mixed blessings. There are several popular myths and superstitions surrounding this month, such as the belief that it is an unlucky time for weddings or travel. However, these beliefs have no basis in Islamic teachings and are considered cultural practices rather than religious ones. In fact, Islam emphasizes the importance of seeking knowledge and guidance during all times of the year, including Safar. While there are no particular rituals or observances associated with Safar, some Muslims may choose to offer voluntary prayers, give charity, or engage in acts of kindness and generosity during this month as a way to increase their blessings and good deeds. Safar is a time for reflection, gratitude, and a renewed commitment to spiritual growth and development.
3 Rabī‘ al-awwal رَبِيع ٱلْأَوَّل
Meaning – The first spring
Rabī‘ al-awwal is the third month of the Islamic calendar and is significant for Muslims as it marks the birth month of Prophet Muhammad, the last prophet of Islam. Muslims around the world celebrate this month with various traditions and practices, such as reciting special prayers, holding public gatherings to remember the Prophet’s life and teachings, and preparing food to share with family, friends, and the less fortunate. Some communities may also decorate their homes and streets with lights and banners to mark the occasion. While the celebration of the Prophet’s birth is not obligatory in Islam, it is considered a time of joy and gratitude for his role as a messenger of God and his teachings of compassion, justice, and peace.
4 Rabī‘ ath-thani – رَبِيع ٱلْآخِر
Meaning – The second spring
Rabī‘ ath-thānī is the fourth month of the Islamic calendar and is also known as the second spring, as it falls during the season of spring in many parts of the world. While there are no major religious observances associated with this month, it is considered a time for spiritual reflection and renewal. Muslims may choose to engage in acts of worship such as voluntary prayers, reading the Quran, or giving charity as a way to increase their blessings and good deeds. Some communities may also hold public gatherings to discuss and learn about Islamic teachings, or to participate in social and charitable activities. In some regions, the month of Rabī‘ ath-thānī is also associated with cultural traditions and celebrations, such as festivals and carnivals. The month of Rabī‘ ath-thānī is a time for Muslims to recommit themselves to their faith and strive towards greater spiritual growth and development.
5 – Jumādá al-ūlá – جُمَادَىٰ ٱلْأُولَىٰ
Meaning – The first of parched land
Jumada al-ula is the fifth month of the Islamic calendar and is considered a time of spiritual growth and reflection for Muslims. While there are no major religious observances associated with this month, it is a time for Muslims to focus on their personal and spiritual development through acts of worship such as voluntary prayers, reciting the Quran, and giving charity. In some Muslim communities, there may be public gatherings or lectures held to discuss Islamic teachings and promote a greater understanding of the religion. Jumada al-ula is also a time to remember the importance of family and community, and many Muslims choose to spend time with loved ones or participate in social and charitable activities during this month. Jumada al-ula serves as a reminder of the importance of continuing one’s spiritual journey and striving towards greater connection with God and the community.
6 Jumādá al-ākhirah – جُمَادَىٰ ٱلْآخِرَة
Meaning – the last of parched land
Jumada al-akhirah is the sixth month of the Islamic calendar. While there are no major religious observances associated with this month, it is still considered a time for personal and spiritual reflection for Muslims. Some Muslims may choose to increase their acts of worship during this time, and it is also a time to reflect on the passing of time and the transient nature of life. Overall, Jumada al-akhirah serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining a constant focus on one’s faith and spiritual journey.
7 Rajab – رَجَب
Meaning – Respect, Honour
Rajab is the seventh month of the Islamic calendar and is considered a sacred month. It is a time for Muslims to reflect on their faith, seek forgiveness and perform good deeds.
8 Sha ban – شَعْبَان
Meaning – Scattered
Sha’ban is the eighth month of the Islamic calendar. It is a time for Muslims to increase their acts of worship and prepare for the holy month of Ramadan. Some Muslims also observe the 15th day of Sha’ban with special prayers and fasts.
9 Ramadan – رَمَضَان
Meaning – Burning heat
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar and is considered the holiest month. Muslims fast from dawn to dusk and increase their acts of worship, charity and good deeds during this time. Ramadan is a time of spiritual reflection, community, and gratitude. It ends with the celebration of Eid al-Fitr.
10 Shawwal – شَوَّال
Meaning – Raised
Shawwal is the tenth month of the Islamic calendar and follows Ramadan. Muslims celebrate Eid al-Fitr at the start of Shawwal. It is a time for forgiveness, charity, and spending time with loved ones. Some Muslims also fast during the first six days of Shawwal to follow the example of the Prophet Muhammad.
11 Dhu al-Qa‘dah – ذُو ٱلْقَعْدَة
Meaning – the one of truce/sitting
Dhu al-Qa’dah is the eleventh month of the Islamic calendar. It is considered a sacred month and a time for spiritual reflection, forgiveness, and good deeds. While there are no major religious observances associated with this month, it is believed to be a time when God’s blessings and mercy are increased. Some Muslims also choose to fast during this month as a way to seek God’s forgiveness and increase their blessings.
12 Dhu Al-Hijjah- ذُو ٱلْحِجَّة
The one of pilgrimage
Dhu al-Hijjah is the twelfth and final month of the Islamic calendar. It is considered the holiest month after Ramadan. Muslims from all over the world gather in Mecca for Hajj, the annual pilgrimage. Eid al-Adha is also celebrated during this month. It is a time for sacrifice, charity, forgiveness, and reflecting on one’s faith and blessings.
