UAE declares official holiday on Jan 1, 2026 for private sector

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The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) said that Thursday, January 1, 2026, will be an official paid holiday for all private-sector workers in the UAE to mark the New Year.

The ministry’s statement follows a circular issued in line with the cabinet’s approved list of public and private-sector holidays.

Jan 1 holiday for federal sector and Jan 2 will see remote working kick in

The Federal Authority for Government Human Resources has also confirmed that federal employees will observe the New Year holiday on Thursday, January 1, 2026, a WAM report shared.

Work on Friday, January 2, will move to remote mode for all federal staff except those whose roles require them to be on-site.