The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratization has announced that Thursday, January 1, 2026, will be an official paid holiday for all private sector employees in the United Arab Emirates, in celebration of the New Year.

This announcement comes as part of the UAE's ongoing efforts to unify official holidays in the public and private sectors and promote a balanced work environment that contributes to increased employee satisfaction and job stability.

The decision was issued by an official circular from the Ministry, based on the Cabinet Resolution on the approved official holidays for 2026. The resolution outlines the annual holiday schedule and specifies the national, religious, and international occasions that apply to employees in all sectors across the UAE.

This circular underscores the UAE's commitment to implementing fair and flexible labor policies that align with its vision to support quality of life and promote work-life balance.

This holiday provides employees with an excellent opportunity to spend more time with their families and enjoy the celebrations and events taking place throughout the country to welcome the New Year. It also allows private sector organizations to plan their work schedules in advance and ensure service continuity through flexible operational arrangements.

This announcement reflects the Ministry’s commitment to keeping organizations and employers informed of all updates related to public holidays, ensuring full compliance with applicable regulations, and maintaining a work environment that meets the highest standards.

It is worth noting that the UAE follows a unified annual holiday calendar for both the public and private sectors, which contributes to clearer policies and facilitates planning for employees, their families, and businesses alike.