The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has officially confirmed 1st of January 2026, as a paid New Year Holiday. Hence, it could bring welcome clarity for public and private sector employees. However, the announcement reinforces the ongoing focus of the government on work-life balance, employee well-being, and flexible work arrangements. In addition, it is also setting the stage for a potential long weekend at the very start of 2026.
Jan 1, 2026: Official Paid New Year Holiday
According to the Federal Authority for Government Human Resources (FAHR), Thursday, January 1, 2026, will be observed as a public holiday across all federal government entities to mark New Year’s Day. Hence, government offices will remain closed throughout the nation to allow employees a full day off to welcome 2026.
The FAHR has also declared Friday, January 2, 2026, as a remote working day for federal employees whose roles can be performed from home. This has effectively created a long weekend to offer a smoother and more relaxed transition into the new year.
On the other hand, employees working in important services or roles requiring physical presence will continue reporting to duty on January 2, in line with operational requirements set by their department.
Private Sector: Fully Paid Holiday Confirmed
The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) has also confirmed that January 1, 2026, will be a fully paid holiday for private sector employees. However, the announcement was shared officially on 12 December. In addition, it aligns with the private sector entitlements with the public sector holiday calendar.
Paid public holidays are mandatory under the UAE labour law. Hence, it ensures that employees across industries can see New Year’s Day without any salary deduction. Moreover, Friday, January 2, is currently expected to be a working day for private companies. In addition, authorities have advised employers to follow internal policies and await any further updates.
Potential Four-Day Mini-Break for Residents
Many UAE residents are expected to bridge Friday with the weekend, as New Year Day falls on a Thursday to create a four-day weekend. Therefore, travel agencies are expected to see a big surge in outbound travel, especially a short-haul leisure destinations such as Georgia, Armenia, and the Maldives.
Major airports, including Dubai International (DXB) and Abu Dhabi International (AUH), have already warned of record passenger volumes in late December. Moreover, the additional New Year holiday could push daily traffic beyond the 300,000-passenger mark. So, it prompts airlines to closely monitor demand and consider adding extra flights or deploying larger aircraft.
Why the New Year Holiday Matters?
Officials have stated that the early confirmation of the January 1, 2026, paid New Year holiday shows the following commitments:
- Supporting employee well-being
- Promoting a healthy work-life balance
- Allowing organisations to plan staffing efficiently
- Giving employees predictable and structured leave planning
The UAE follows a unified public holiday framework. Hence, it ensures consistency between the public and private sectors. In addition, clear communication of holiday schedules also helps businesses maintain compliance and boosts employee satisfaction with productivity.
Key Facts at a Glance
- January 1, 2026: Paid New Year holiday for the public and private sectors
- January 2, 2026: Remote work day for eligible federal employees
- Regulated by FAHR (public sector) and MOHRE (private sector)
- Paid public holidays are mandatory under the UAE labour law
Key takeaways
The UAE New Year holiday for 2026 offers more than just a day off. In addition, it sets a positive tone for the year ahead. Moreover, the announcement highlights the UAE’s people-first approach to workforce policies for those residents who choose to travel, relax with family, or enjoy a quieter start to January.
Employees are advised to stay informed through official government channels as further updates emerge regarding work schedules on January 2 for the private sector.
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