December 24, 2025 | Dubai, UAE: The announcement of the UAE Public Holiday in New Year has come as a welcome news to the residents and government employees in the country. The government of the UAE has officially announced that Thursday, January 1, 2026, will be a paid holiday and a remote working day on Friday, January 2, 2026, will follow as a paid holiday with employees in the public sector.
This move of UAE public holiday in New Year can be seen as an indication of the ongoing efforts by the UAE to advance the concept of work-life balance, and at the same time provide seamless services required by the nation.
Public Holiday and Remote Work for UAE Public Holiday in New Year
The federal circular of January 1, 2026, will be a national public holiday among the employees of the public sector in the UAE. The UAE public holiday in new year will be the first paid public holiday of 2026 and will provide its residents with the chance to celebrate the New Year with their families, friends, and big parties throughout the emirates.
Although the announcement is targeted at the public sector, the policies of the private sector concerning holidays are likely to abide by different rules, which are put in place by the authorities.
As another measure to enhance the welfare of the workers, the federal government has officially declared Friday, January 2, 2026, a remote working day among the members of the working population in the government.
Key points to note:
- January 2 is the day when employees can work at home.
- Critical personnel who are needed physically in their duties must report to work.
- The policy assists in balancing work with time spent with the family following New Year celebrations.
This strategy is in line with post-Covid flexibility measures of the workplace that have been embraced in the UAE.
New Year 2026 In the UAE: Fireworks, Drone Shows And Parties
With the coming of the general UAE public holiday in New Year, emirates of the UAE are organizing impressive celebrations with fireworks, drones, concerts, and cultural events. Ras Al Khaimah will also be one of the biggest worldwide firework displays on the New Year.
Authorities are planning:
- A 15-minute fireworks show
- Exhibitions over 6 kilometres of coast.
- Over 2,300 pyrotechnics, laser effects, and drones.
- An attempt to break the Guinness World Record of the biggest single firework shell.
The emirate is still seeking to establish itself as a New Year destination in the world.
Dubai New Year Eve Parties
With the announced UAE public holiday in new year, various events will be hosted in different popular landmarks in Dubai on New Year Eve once again. Visitors and residents will be able to expect:
- Fireworks and drone shows
- Beach parties and live concerts.
- Parties lasting the whole evening until midnight.
Popular venues include:
- Global Village
- Atlantis The Palm
- Bluewaters Island
The celebrations are supposed to be early in the evening and close with great midnight countdowns.
Sheikh Zayed Festival in Abu Dhabi
The Sheikh Zayed Festival will be the highlight of the New Year activities in the capital with a historic fireworks and drone programme.
Highlights include:
- The longest drone performance in the world (62 minutes).
- Fire shows and drone shows were distributed in five phases.
- The participating countries and partners showcase their cultural and heritage.
The festivals will be held in Al Wathba and will start at 8pm and end with the big fireworks finishing at midnight.
Advisory to the Citizens on the New Year Holiday
The government has also expanded its New Year greetings to all citizens of the UAE, employees, and leaders in the government. It has been recommended that organisations should:
- Make sure you follow official instructions.
- Make sure there is a hassle-free holiday season.
- Ensure safety of the people in massive events.
The UAE public holiday in new year, which is having a public holiday on January 1, and working remotely on January 2, many residents can afford to have a long New Year with them. The announcement also helps:
- The locals organize mini holidays.
- Travel schedules are made by frequent flyers.
- Family members have a merry time without work interference.
The UAE Public Holiday in New Year announcement has a favorable outlook on the 2026 year being filled with productivity and celebrations alike. Starting with record fireworks and flexible working, the UAE has been continuing to make a balanced, festive and resident-friendly environment to receive the New Year.
Also Read: Dubai Fireworks 2026: 48 Dazzling Sky Spectacles to Light Up 40 Iconic Landmarks
