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UAE announces New Year 2026 holiday for private sector

MoHRE confirms New Year’s Day as a paid break under the approved national holiday list

Last updated:
Balaram Menon, Senior Web Editor and Nathaniel Lacsina, Senior Web Editor
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Image used for illustrative purpose only.
Image used for illustrative purpose only.
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Dubai: The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) has announced that Thursday, January 1, 2026, will be an official paid holiday for all private sector employees in the UAE.

The announcement follows the UAE Cabinet’s approved list of public holidays for both the public and private sectors.

With New Year’s Day falling on a Thursday, private sector workplaces are expected to resume operations on Friday, January 2, 2026.

Public sector holiday

The holiday will be on Thursday, January 1, 2026, while Friday, January 2, 2026, will be a remote-work day for federal government employees, except those whose roles require otherwise.

Balaram Menon
Balaram MenonSenior Web Editor
Balaram brings more than two decades of experience in the media industry, combining sharp editorial judgment with a deep understanding of digital news dynamics. Since 2004, he has been a core member of the gulfnews.com digital team, playing a key role in shaping its identity. Passionate about current affairs, politics, cricket, and entertainment, Balaram thrives on stories that spark conversation. His strength lies in adapting to the fast-changing news landscape and curating compelling content that resonates with readers.
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UAEUAE Public holidaysNew Year

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