Dubai: The wait is over for residents planning their New Year break. UAE authorities have confirmed the UAE New Year Holiday 2026 arrangements, clarifying who gets time off — and how much — as the country rings in the new year.
While January 1, 2026, remains a nationwide public holiday, the structure of the break will vary sharply depending on whether you work in the private sector, federal government, or Sharjah’s public sector.
With New Year’s Day falling on a Thursday, the UAE has adopted a hybrid holiday approach that balances celebrations with business continuity.
Here’s a clear breakdown of what the UAE New Year Holiday 2026 looks like for employees across the Emirates.
Table of Contents
Three Distinct Holiday Arrangements Across the UAE
Unlike some previous years where residents enjoyed uniform long weekends, UAE public holidays 2026 – New Year bring three different outcomes depending on sector and emirate.
1. Private Sector: A One-Day New Year Break
For most employees, the UAE New Year holiday private sector announcement confirms:
- Thursday, January 1, 2026 is a paid public holiday
- Work resumes on Friday, January 2, unless your employer grants additional leave
This means many private-sector employees will enjoy a mid-week breather, rather than a full long weekend.
Is January 1 a holiday in UAE?
Yes — it is a paid public holiday for the private sector under MOHRE.
2. Federal Government: Holiday Plus Remote Work
Federal government employees receive slightly more flexibility during the UAE New Year public holiday 2026.
- Thursday, January 1: Paid public holiday
- Friday, January 2: Official remote working day
This setup allows federal staff to remain at home while maintaining essential operations, effectively linking the holiday to the weekend.
Employees return to offices on Monday, January 5, 2026.
3. Sharjah Public Sector: A Four-Day Weekend
Sharjah continues to stand out in terms of work-life balance.
Since the emirate follows a Friday–Sunday weekend, Sharjah public sector employees will enjoy a four-day New Year break:
- Thursday, January 1: Paid holiday
- Friday to Sunday: Weekend
- Return to work: Monday, January 5
This makes Sharjah the clear winner of the UAE New Year break 2026.
At a Glance: UAE New Year Holiday 2026
| Sector | Jan 1 (Thu) | Jan 2 (Fri) | Return to Work |
|---|---|---|---|
| Private Sector | Paid holiday | Working day | Friday, Jan 2 |
| Federal Government | Paid holiday | Remote work | Monday, Jan 5 |
| Sharjah Public Sector | Paid holiday | Weekend | Monday, Jan 5 |
Source: UAE Cabinet resolutions, MOHRE guidelines
What If You’re Asked to Work on New Year’s Day?
For essential services — including healthcare, hospitality, security, aviation, and retail — some employees may be required to work on January 1.
Under UAE labour law New Year holiday rules: You must receive either:
- A compensatory day off, or
- Your daily wage plus 50% additional pay
Is New Year a paid holiday in UAE?
Yes. If you work, extra compensation or time off is mandatory.
How to Turn It Into a Long Weekend
Private-sector employees hoping to stretch the break can plan smartly.
By applying for one day of annual leave on Friday, January 2, you can unlock a four-day New Year weekend from Thursday to Sunday — ideal for a short trip, staycation, or family time.
This is already shaping up as a popular option for those planning UAE New Year holiday travel or local getaways.
The UAE New Year Holiday 2026 confirms one thing clearly: January 1 is a national holiday — but the length of your break depends on where and how you work.
- Private sector: one-day holiday
- Federal government: holiday + remote work
- Sharjah public sector: four-day weekend
As the UAE heads into 2026, the focus remains on flexibility, productivity, and sector-specific needs — a trend that’s likely to continue across future UAE public holidays.
