The United Arab Emirates has officially confirmed New Year’s Day as the first public holiday of 2026, with January 1 declared a paid day off nationwide and special remote-work arrangements announced for government employees.

According to a circular issued by the Federal Authority for Government Human Resources (FAHR), Thursday, January 1, 2026, will be an official paid holiday for all federal public-sector employees. The holiday is in line with the UAE’s official public holiday law and Cabinet-approved calendar.

The authority extended its best wishes to the UAE’s leadership, government, and people, while directing all organisations to ensure smooth operations during the holiday period.

Remote work on Jan 2

Following New Year’s Day celebrations, Friday, January 2, 2026, will be observed as a remote-work day for federal government employees. The move is aimed at helping staff balance work responsibilities with family time.

Employees whose roles require on-site presence will continue to report to work as usual. With the weekend falling on Saturday and Sunday, the first official working day for public-sector employees in 2026 will be Monday, January 5.

Private sector holiday also confirmed

The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) has announced that Thursday, January 1, 2026, will also be a paid public holiday for all private-sector employees. The decision follows a Cabinet resolution covering official holidays for both public and private sectors.

However, it remains unclear whether private-sector employees will be offered a remote-work option on Friday, January 2. Further clarification from MoHRE is expected.

Sharjah announces four-day New Year break

The Sharjah Department of Human Resources (SDHR) confirmed that New Year’s Day 2026 will be observed on Thursday, January 1, for all Sharjah government entities, authorities, and institutions. Official working hours in Sharjah will resume on Monday, January 5, except for shift-based employees.

On the occasion, SDHR extended warm congratulations to the UAE leadership and people, wishing continued progress and prosperity in the new year.

Option to extend holiday

Government employees wishing to extend their New Year break may take Friday, January 2, as annual leave. This would allow for a four-day weekend when combined with the usual Saturday-Sunday break.

January 1 remains one of the few UAE public holidays that can be confirmed well in advance, unlike others that depend on the Islamic Hijri calendar.

Spectacular New Year celebrations

With the first paid holiday of 2026 confirmed, residents, expats, and visitors across the UAE are preparing for a vibrant season of celebrations. Dubai is expected to be one of the world’s top New Year destinations, with fireworks, drone shows, concerts, and beach parties planned at locations including Global Village, Atlantis The Palm, Bluewaters Island, and other landmarks.

Displays are set to begin early in the evening on Wednesday, December 31, and conclude at midnight. Authorities are expected to announce public transport schedules and road closures in the coming weeks.

Ras Al Khaimah is planning a 15-minute fireworks display stretching across 6km of coastline. The show will feature more than 2,300 drones, pyrotechnics, and lasers, with officials aiming to set a Guinness World Record for the largest single firework ever launched.

Abu Dhabi plans record-breaking celebrations

In Abu Dhabi, the Sheikh Zayed Festival will host an unprecedented 62-minute fireworks show in Al Wathba. The celebration will also include the world’s largest drone performance and a wide range of cultural and heritage events presented by participating countries, sponsors, and strategic partners.

The New Year’s Eve spectacle will unfold in five stages, starting at 8pm and culminating at midnight with the main fireworks display.

After New Year’s Day, UAE residents will next observe a public holiday at the end of March for Eid Al Fitr. The longest predicted public holiday of 2026 is Eid Al Adha, which is expected to offer a six-day long weekend in May, based on current forecasts.