The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) has announced January 1, 2026, as an official holiday in the UAE for all private sector employees.

The holiday is declared in accordance with the UAE Cabinet decision on approved official holidays for the government and private sectors. Since the first day of the year falls on a Thursday, offices will reopen on Friday, January 2, 2026.

Public sector holiday. Meanwhile, the Federal Authority for Government Human Resources had announced on Thursday that New Year’s Day 2026 will be a holiday for the federal government sector.

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.

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Also, Al Wathba in Abu Dhabi will host one of the largest New Year’s Eve celebrations in the UAE and the region. The Higher Organizing Committee of the Sheikh Zayed Festival is finalising the preparation for spectacular fireworks, the world’s largest drone shows, and heritage and cultural activities from participating country pavilions and strategic partners.

The festival will feature an unprecedented fireworks display, aiming to set five new Guinness World Records through five timed segments starting at 8:00 p.m. and peaking at midnight. The main display will continue for 62 consecutive minutes, creating a dazzling spectacle over Al Wathba.