Is New Year a public holiday in UAE? Remote work on Jan 2 and Dec 31 hours explained

Dubai: As the UAE enters its year-end slowdown, many employees, residents and travellers are searching for clarity on one key question: Is New Year a public holiday in the UAE? The answer is yes — but work arrangements vary between the public and private sectors.

Here’s an explainer on New Year holidays in the UAE, covering public and private sector leave and work-from-home options for eligible employees.

Thursday, January 1, 2026, will be an official paid public holiday across the UAE for both public and private sector employees, according to the UAE Cabinet’s approved list of public holidays.

New Year’s Day is recognised as a federal public holiday across the country.

December 31, 2025, is a regular working day in the UAE. It is not an official half-day under UAE labour law, and any early closures or reduced hours are at the discretion of individual employers. Employees should check directly with their workplace for guidance.

Residents and visitors are advised that major roads around key fireworks locations, including Burj Khalifa, will have temporary closures and traffic restrictions on New Year’s Eve, December 31. Authorities recommend planning journeys in advance, using public transport where possible, and following official signage and instructions to avoid delays during the celebrations. 

The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) confirmed:

There is no mandatory remote work policy for private sector employees on January 2.

For the federal public sector, authorities announced:

Exceptions apply to roles that require on-site presence or operate on shift systems.

The Dubai Government Human Resources Department (DGHR) said:

Departments providing essential public services or operating on shift systems may set alternative working arrangements. 

Sharjah announced an extended New Year holiday for government employees:

Shift-based employees are excluded and will follow internal schedules.

With New Year falling on a Thursday and remote work on January 2 for many government employees, residents are planning:

This has driven a spike in searches for UAE public holidays, New Year leave rules, and remote work announcements. 

Under the UAE Cabinet resolution, official public holidays include:

The UAE is set to welcome New Year 2026 with record-breaking fireworks, drone shows and citywide celebrations across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah and Ras Al Khaimah, giving residents and visitors multiple ways to ring in the new year.

Here’s what to expect across the Emirates:

Celebrations across six destinations

10-minute fireworks displays at:

From Dubai’s landmark-filled skyline and Abu Dhabi’s record-breaking shows to Ras Al Khaimah’s world-first displays and Sharjah’s family-friendly and desert experiences, New Year 2026 promises one of the UAE’s biggest and most diverse celebrations yet.