The United Arab Emirates has officially declared New Year’s Day, January 1, 2026, as a paid public holiday nationwide. Government employees will enjoy a full day off, while special remote-work arrangements are planned for January 2.
According to the Federal Authority for Government Human Resources (FAHR), January 1 will be an official paid holiday for all federal public-sector employees. The circular also extended best wishes to the UAE leadership and citizens, urging organisations to maintain smooth operations during the holiday period.
Following New Year’s Day, January 2 will be a remote-work day for federal employees, allowing staff to spend more time with their families. Employees required on-site will report to work as usual. With the weekend falling on Saturday and Sunday, the first working day of 2026 for public-sector staff will be Monday, January 5.
Private-sector employees will also get January 1 as a paid public holiday, as confirmed by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE). However, it remains unclear if remote-work options will be available on January 2. Sharjah has announced a similar schedule, offering government employees the option to extend their New Year break to create a four-day weekend.
The UAE is gearing up for vibrant New Year celebrations across all emirates. Dubai will host fireworks, drone shows, concerts, and beach parties at top landmarks including Global Village, Atlantis The Palm, and Bluewaters Island. Ras Al Khaimah plans a 15-minute fireworks show along 6km of coastline, featuring over 2,300 drones, pyrotechnics, and lasers, aiming for a Guinness World Record.
Abu Dhabi’s Sheikh Zayed Festival will feature a 62-minute fireworks display, the world’s largest drone performance, and cultural events across five stages, beginning at 8pm and concluding at midnight on December 31.
In other news read more about Kuwait Announces 6 Public Holidays for New Year 2026
Following New Year, UAE residents will next observe public holidays for Eid Al Fitr in March and Eid Al Adha in May, the latter expected to offer a six-day long weekend.
