Egypt's Dar Al-Ifta announced on Tuesday that Wednesday would mark the Hijiri new year 1437.

According to an astronomical observation undertaken by Dar Al-Ifta, Egypt's state religious institution, Wednesday will mark the first day of Muharram, the first month of the Islamic calendar. 

With the Hijri lunar calendar being 11-12 days shorter than the western calendar, Muharram falls at different times every year.

The Hijri calendar, which began in AD 622, is used by Muslims around the globe to determine annual fasting during the holy month of Ramadan as well as the Hajj pilgrimage and Muslim festivals.

Wednesday, 14 October will be an official national holiday, Egypt's cabinet spokesperson Hossam El-Qawish announced on Tuesday afternoon.