UAE Confirms New Year Holiday for Public Sector

  • Publish date: since 14 hour Reading time: 1 min read

UAE Announces January 1 Public Sector Holiday With Optional Remote Work on January 2

The United Arab Emirates government has officially confirmed New Year’s Day, January 1, 2026, as a public sector holiday, offering employees across federal ministries and entities time off to celebrate the start of the new year.

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The announcement came from the Federal Authority for Government Human Resources (FAHR), reinforcing the UAE’s commitment to enhancing work-life balance for public sector workers. 

In addition to the paid holiday on January 1, FAHR has also designated January 2, 2026, as a remote work day for federal government employees. While remote working will be optional for many, those whose roles require on-site presence will continue regular duties. This blended approach aims to support flexibility while ensuring continuity of essential government services. 

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The New Year’s Day holiday announcement arrives as residents and visitors prepare for the festive season, including widely anticipated fireworks, concerts and celebrations across major cities like Dubai and Abu Dhabi. The annual Burj Khalifa fireworks display remains one of the most iconic elements of the UAE’s year-end festivities. 

UAE public holidays are set each year based on Cabinet resolutions and circulars issued by FAHR, which define official leave days for federal employees and reflect the country’s broader calendar of national and religious observances. The confirmation of a public sector break for New Year’s Day underscores the UAE’s ongoing efforts to prioritise well-being while fostering a dynamic environment for residents and workers alike.