The United Arab Emirates has confirmed New Year’s Day 2026 as the first official holiday of the year. The Federal Authority for Government Human Resources announced that Thursday, January 1, will be a paid holiday for all federal employees. The announcement follows the country’s approved public holiday calendar. Authorities also extended best wishes to the UAE’s leadership and citizens. They advised government offices to maintain smooth operations throughout the holiday period.
The government has also designated Friday, January 2, as a remote-work day for federal employees. This decision aims to help staff balance family time after New Year celebrations. Employees working in essential on-site roles will still report to duty. With the weekend falling on Saturday and Sunday, the first working day of 2026 will be Monday, January 5. This schedule provides most federal workers with a long and convenient break.
The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation announced that the private sector will also receive a paid holiday on January 1. The holiday is part of the Cabinet’s unified public-holiday decision for both sectors. However, the ministry has not yet clarified remote-work arrangements for private employees. More information is expected before the holiday period. Many private-sector workers are watching for updates.
Sharjah has confirmed a four-day New Year break for its government employees. The Sharjah Department of Human Resources announced that work will resume on Monday, January 5. Shift-based staff will follow their assigned schedules. The department extended warm greetings to the UAE leadership and people. It also wished continued growth for the emirate in the coming year.
Read more : Holiday announced in RYK on October 1
Government workers across the UAE may extend their break by taking annual leave on January 2. This option creates a four-day weekend when combined with the usual Saturday-Sunday off. New Year’s Day remains one of the few UAE public holidays announced far in advance. Most Islamic holidays depend on moon sightings and can vary yearly. Residents often plan vacations around New Year due to this certainty.
Meanwhile, preparations for New Year celebrations are underway across the UAE. Dubai is set to host one of the world’s biggest festivities with fireworks, drone shows, and concerts. Events will take place at Global Village, Bluewaters Island, Atlantis The Palm, and other major destinations. Shows will begin on December 31 and continue until midnight. Transport schedules and road-closure updates will be shared soon by authorities.
Ras Al Khaimah plans a 15-minute fireworks show along a 6km coastline. The display will include more than 2,300 drones and advanced pyrotechnics. Officials hope to set a Guinness World Record with the largest single firework. In Abu Dhabi, the Sheikh Zayed Festival will feature a 62-minute fireworks show and the world’s largest drone performance. After New Year’s Day, the next public break will be Eid Al Fitr in late March.