The Omani Ministry of Awqaf and Religious Affairs has announced that 21 August 2020, is the first day of
the Islamic new year 1442.
The Oman News Agency reported that the new
moon marking the month of Muharram had not been sighted on the 19th, making 20 August the last day of the month Dhulhijjah, and the last day of the year 1441.
The Saudi Press Agency reported that 20 August was 1 Muharram, 1442 in KSA according to the
Umm Al-Qura calendar as the crescent for Muharram
had been sighted on the 19th.
The Bahrain News Agency announced on the 19th that in line with directives from HM King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, the Royal Court of Bahrain will start distributing the annual donation marking 1442. This will be done through the Sunni and Jafari Endowments Directorates to charities and Hussaini community centres.