New Year Breaks in UAE: 2026 Edition

New Year Holidays in UAE: Who Gets What in 2026?

Each year, the United Arab Emirates celebrates the arrival of the New Year in a spectacular fashion. The world-renowned fireworks, breathtaking drone shows, and a multitude of entertainment programs attract crowds, but for residents, the official holidays during this time are perhaps the most significant. The long New Year weekends provide an excellent opportunity for people to unwind from the end-of-year rush and spend quality time with their families in cooler weather, as the desert and parks come alive.

The first days of 2026 will begin differently for UAE residents depending on the sector they work in and the emirate they live in. Three types of official holiday regulations will come into effect, offering varying levels of rest.

One-Day Holiday in the Private Sector

The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) has confirmed that for those working in the private sector, January 1, 2026, Thursday, will be a paid official holiday. This date is part of the official holiday calendar determined by the cabinet for both the public and private sectors.

Although the UAE government allows some holidays to be moved to weekend days to ensure longer breaks, in 2026, most residents will celebrate the new year on January 1 and are expected to return to work on Friday, January 2.

One Day Off, Remote Work the Next in the Public Sector

Public sector employees enjoy a similar break: they also rest on Thursday, January 1. However, with the distinction that Friday, January 2, is treated as a work-from-home day for them.

This measure is particularly advantageous for workers who can thus complete their tasks from home while spending another day with their families. It's important to note that this remote work option does not apply to employees in on-site roles, who must report to their workplaces as usual.

Four-Day Long Weekend in Sharjah

Public sector workers in the emirate of Sharjah are particularly fortunate, as they will have a four-day long weekend at the beginning of January. January 1, Thursday, is a public holiday for them, while January 2 (Friday) is already part of the emirate's three-day weekend, which lasts from Friday to Sunday.

This means that Sharjah public employees return to work only on Monday, January 5, giving them ample time for New Year celebrations and relaxation.

Extra Holidays at Some Companies: Up to a Week's Rest

While Christmas is not an official public holiday in the UAE, many companies with international backgrounds—especially in finance, consulting, and technology sectors—provide additional days off at the end of the year based on internal policies. Some companies offer a Christmas holiday, while others provide up to a week-long year-end break.

These internal holidays do not count toward the annual leave allowance but appear as an extra bonus for employees. Such leave policies are becoming more common in UAE workplaces, reflecting a desire to provide structured downtime for year-end travels and family bonding.

Clever Combination of Annual Leave

Official holidays in the UAE always offer a good opportunity for workers to extend their break time by combining them with their annual leave. The first day of 2026 falls on a Thursday, so taking a day off on Friday results in a four-day weekend to kickstart the year.

Similar opportunities will arise throughout the year during other official holidays: Eid Al Fitr, Arafah Day, Eid Al Adha, the beginning of the Islamic New Year, the Prophet's birthday in August, and the UAE National Day in December are all potential occasions to align days off with weekends or significantly extend break times with one or two additional days leave.

Working on a Holiday? Compensation Applies

Of course, some roles do not permit a complete shutdown even on official holidays. Workers in such jobs—like those in healthcare, security, or essential services—are vital for society's functioning. For them, UAE labor laws provide compensation.

According to the law, if an employee must work on an official holiday, their employer has two options: either provide an additional day off or pay for the worked day at the base salary with at least a 50% bonus.

Summary

The beginning of a new year is always a special time for UAE residents, who not only celebrate with one of the world's most spectacular fireworks but also take the opportunity to pause through official and corporate breaks. Whether one or four days of rest are available, everyone has the chance to start the new year in a peaceful, recharged state.

The flexibility offered by the UAE's official holiday policies—whether it be transferable days, remote work, or compensation—demonstrates the increasing integration of work-life balance into workplace culture. And although not everyone will have equally long breaks in 2026, the opportunities to make the most of the first days of the year are available for all.

(Based on a statement from the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE).)