According to legislation passed by the UAE Cabinet, the public and private sectors will observe the New Year’s Day 2026 holiday on January 1
The UAE’s Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratization (MoHRE) has announced that Thursday, January 1, 2026, will be an official paid holiday for all private-sector employees on the occasion of the New Year.
The announcement follows a circular issued by MoHRE in implementation of the Cabinet decision regarding the approved official holidays for the public and private sectors.
Sharjah announces 4-day holiday
On Thursday, the Sharjah Department of Human Resources (SDHR) announced that the New Year holiday for 2026 will be observed on Thursday, January 1, 2026, for all employees of Sharjah government entities, authorities and institutions.
The department confirmed that official working hours will resume on Monday,January 5, 2026, except for employees on shift duty.
On this occasion, SDHR extended its warm congratulations to the UAE’s leadership and people, wishing that the new year brings continued progress and prosperity to the nation.
Remote work on January 2 for UAE public sector
In addition, the UAE’s Federal Authority for Government Human Resources announced on Thursday the New Year’s Day 2026 holiday for the Federal Government. Employees across the public sector will be off work on Thursday, January 1, 2026.
Remote work on January 2 for UAE public sector
In addition, the UAE’s Federal Authority for Government Human Resources announced on Thursday the New Year’s Day 2026 holiday for the Federal Government. Employees across the public sector will be off work on Thursday, January 1, 2026.
The authority also revealed that Friday, January 2, 2026, will be a remote-work day for UAE Federal Government employees, except those whose roles require otherwise.
According to legislation passed by the UAE Cabinet, the public and private sectors will observe the New Year’s Day 2026 holiday on January 1.
Employees seeking to extend the New Year’s Day 2026 holiday can take Friday, January 2, as annual leave, allowing them to enjoy a four-day weekend, including the usual Saturday-Sunday break.
When is the next holiday?
The next holiday UAE residents can look forward to in 2026 is Eid Al Fitr, which falls from Shawwal 1 to 3. This year, Eid Al Fitr is expected to fall on March 20-22, 2026, giving residents a three-day weekend starting from Friday. Final confirmation will depend on the official sighting of the Shawwal crescent moon.
By taking annual leave from Monday to Thursday, March 16-19, UAE residents can secure a total of nine days off, spanning from Saturday, March 14, to Sunday, March 22.
Source: economymiddleeast