The UAE has announced three officially recognised New Year holiday options for 2026, outlining different leave arrangements across sectors to help residents and employees plan celebrations and travel in advance.
UAE: Three categories of approved New Year breaks confirmed ahead of 2026
The UAE has a reputation for ushering in the New Year in spectacular style. From breathtaking fireworks and record-setting displays to dazzling drone shows lighting up the skies, the celebrations rarely disappoint.
Yet for many residents, the real highlight is the official holiday that marks the beginning of the year. It offers a welcome pause after months of busy schedules, allowing people to relax, reconnect with family and friends, and enjoy the cooler winter weather that brings outdoor spaces, parks and desert retreats to life.
With schoolchildren already on winter break, the New Year period is especially valuable for families hoping to spend quality time together. Even if some were hoping for an extended or shifted public holiday and felt underwhelmed by the announcement, there are still ways to plan a longer break.
While the official day off applies nationwide, the actual time away from work will vary. Different sectors and work arrangements mean some residents will enjoy more flexibility and extra days to welcome 2026 in their own way.
January 1 declared holiday
Private sector workers across the UAE will observe a paid public holiday on Thursday, January 1, 2026, following confirmation from the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE). The announcement comes in line with a Cabinet resolution outlining officially approved holidays for both government and private employees.
Although New Year’s Day is one of the occasions that can be shifted to create a longer break if the Cabinet approves, celebrations in 2026 will take place on January 1 itself. As a result, most private sector staff are expected to return to work on Friday, January 2.
Public sector: holiday plus remote work
Federal government employees will also be off on Thursday, January 1, 2026. In addition, authorities have designated Friday, January 2, as a remote working day, allowing staff to manage professional duties while spending time at home.
That said, employees whose roles require a physical presence will continue to report to their workplaces, as clarified by the relevant federal authority.
Extended break in Sharjah
In Sharjah, public sector staff will benefit from a longer New Year break. The emirate has announced January 1 as an official holiday for government departments, authorities and institutions.
With Friday already part of the emirate’s three-day weekend, employees will enjoy a four-day break, with work resuming on Monday, January 5, 2026.
Additional leave options
Up to one week off
While Christmas is not officially recognised as a public holiday in the UAE, certain companies grant employees leave ranging from a single day to a full week at the year’s end. This practice is more common in international firms and industries such as finance, technology, and consulting.
Many workplaces across the country provide internal leave on Christmas Day, and in some cases, Boxing Day, extending the break to all staff. Such policies reflect evolving work culture, efforts to align with global calendars, and provide employees extra time to rest and recharge during the festive season.
Official public holidays in the UAE are declared yearly and cover both government and private sector employees. The dates follow either the Gregorian or Islamic calendars, depending on the occasion. Although Christmas is not a federal holiday, organisations are allowed to offer discretionary internal leave to their staff.
These internal leave policies do not replace annual leave entitlements and vary by employer and sector. Employees previously noted that such arrangements help relieve pressure during busy travel periods, while signalling a shift toward structured and predictable year-end breaks.
Annual leave
Public holidays are ideal for employees to maximise their time off. With the UAE allowing transferable leave, workers can often combine official holidays with weekends to create longer breaks. For example, the New Year holiday in 2026 falls on Thursday, January 1. By taking annual leave on Friday, January 2, residents can enjoy a four-day break including the regular weekend.
Other official holidays throughout the year, such as Eid Al Fitr, Arafah Day, Eid Al Adha, Hijri New Year, Prophet Mohammed’s birthday, and UAE National Day (Eid Al Etihad) in December, present opportunities for employees to extend their holidays by combining annual leave, weekends, or transferable dates.
Compensatory leave
While most residents enjoy holidays, some employees are required to maintain essential services or work on-site during public holidays. UAE Labour Law ensures that such employees receive compensatory benefits.
If an employee works on an official public holiday, employers must provide either an alternative day off or pay the regular day’s wage plus at least 50% additional pay on top of the basic salary, ensuring fair compensation for staff who work during holidays.
