How to Convert Hijri to Gregorian: Formula, Umm al-Qura Calendar and Hijri Months
Quick answer: Saudi Arabia uses the Umm al-Qura Hijri calendar. To convert a date exactly, enter it in the Hijri to Gregorian converter. For a rough year conversion: Gregorian year ≈ Hijri year × 32 ÷ 33 + 622. Today's Hijri date is shown below.
Open the Hijri ↔ Gregorian converter →
How to convert Hijri to Gregorian (and Gregorian to Hijri)
- Open the Hijri to Gregorian converter.
- Choose the direction: Hijri to Gregorian, or Gregorian to Hijri.
- Enter the day, month and year. The result uses the official Umm al-Qura calendar.
An exact conversion needs the calendar table, because each Hijri month has 29 or 30 days depending on the moon. A formula can only give the year.
Quick formula for the year
- Hijri to Gregorian: Gregorian year ≈ Hijri year × 32 ÷ 33 + 622. Example: 1448 × 32 ÷ 33 + 622 ≈ 2026.
- Gregorian to Hijri: Hijri year ≈ (Gregorian year − 622) × 33 ÷ 32. Example: (2026 − 622) × 33 ÷ 32 ≈ 1448.
- Every Gregorian year covers parts of two Hijri years. 2026 started in 1447 AH, and 1448 AH began on 16 June 2026.
What is the Umm al-Qura calendar?
Umm al-Qura is the official calendar of Saudi Arabia. A committee chaired by King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST) oversees it. Months are calculated astronomically for Makkah: a new month starts when the new moon is born and the moon sets after the sun in Makkah on the 29th day.
The start of Ramadan, Shawwal (Eid al-Fitr) and Dhu al-Hijjah is announced in Saudi Arabia after the moon is sighted. It can differ by one day from the printed calendar.
The 12 Hijri months
| No. | Month | Arabic |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Muharram | محرم |
| 2 | Safar | صفر |
| 3 | Rabi al-Awwal | ربيع الأول |
| 4 | Rabi al-Thani | ربيع الآخر |
| 5 | Jumada al-Ula | جمادى الأولى |
| 6 | Jumada al-Akhirah | جمادى الآخرة |
| 7 | Rajab | رجب |
| 8 | Shaban | شعبان |
| 9 | Ramadan | رمضان |
| 10 | Shawwal | شوال |
| 11 | Dhu al-Qadah | ذو القعدة |
| 12 | Dhu al-Hijjah | ذو الحجة |
A Hijri year has 354 or 355 days, about 11 days shorter than a Gregorian year. That is why Ramadan comes about 11 days earlier every year.
Key dates in 1448 AH (Umm al-Qura)
| Occasion | Hijri | Gregorian |
|---|---|---|
| Islamic New Year | 1 Muharram 1448 | 16 June 2026 |
| Start of Ramadan | 1 Ramadan 1448 | 8 February 2027 |
| Eid al-Fitr | 1 Shawwal 1448 | 9 March 2027 |
| Eid al-Adha | 10 Dhu al-Hijjah 1448 | 16 May 2027 |
| New Year 1449 | 1 Muharram 1449 | 6 June 2027 |
Ramadan and Eid dates are expected dates. The official start follows the moon sighting announcement.
Hijri or Gregorian: which one does Saudi Arabia use?
- Religious occasions, Hajj and many official documents use the Hijri date.
- Since 1 October 2016, government salaries and allowances are paid by the Gregorian calendar, to match the fiscal year.
- Private-sector contracts and salaries usually use the Gregorian calendar.
Your age in Hijri years
Because Hijri years are shorter, your Hijri age is a little higher. Someone born on 15 May 1990 (20 Shawwal 1410) was 36 in Gregorian years but 37 in Hijri years on 14 October 2026. Use the age calculator to work out yours.
Frequently asked questions
What is today's Hijri date in Saudi Arabia?
The box at the top of this page shows today's Hijri date by the Umm al-Qura calendar, in Saudi time. It updates every day.
Which Hijri calendar does Saudi Arabia use?
The Umm al-Qura calendar, calculated astronomically for Makkah. Ramadan, Eid and Dhu al-Hijjah are confirmed by moon sighting.
How many days are in a Hijri year?
354 or 355 days. Each month has 29 or 30 days.
Can I convert Hijri to Gregorian with a formula?
Only the year: Gregorian ≈ Hijri × 32 ÷ 33 + 622. For an exact day, use a converter based on the Umm al-Qura table.
When did Hijri year 1448 start?
1 Muharram 1448 was 16 June 2026, and 1449 starts on 6 June 2027 (Umm al-Qura).
Official sources
This guide explains the general rules. It is not legal advice.