Picture for illustrative purposes only. ARCHIVE

As the UAE prepares to welcome 2026, authorities have clarified public holiday schedules and remote working arrangements for January 1 and 2. According to the UAE Cabinet’s official list of public holidays, January 1, 2026, will be a paid public holiday for both public and private sector employees nationwide. New Year’s Day is recognised as a federal holiday across the country. However, December 31 remains a regular working day, and any reduction in working hours is at the discretion of private sector employers. The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) confirmed that work will resume on Friday, January 2, unless employers decide otherwise. There is no mandatory remote work policy for private sector employees on that day.

Government sector work arrangements

Federal government employees • January 1: Official public holiday • January 2: Remote work day for most employees Exceptions apply to roles that require on-site presence or shift-based work. Dubai government employees Dubai Government Human Resources Department (DGHR) announced: • January 1: Public holiday • January 2: Remote working day for employees whose roles allow it Essential services and shift-based roles may follow alternative schedules. Sharjah government employees Sharjah announced a longer break: • January 1: Public holiday • Work resumes: Monday, January 5, 2026 Shift-based employees are excluded and will follow internal rosters.
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