2026 New Year Holiday in UAE: 5-Day Off Expected

Get ready to start 2026 with a bang! New Year’s Day 2026 falls on a Thursday, and thanks to the UAE’s smart holiday transfer policy, most residents are looking at a glorious 5-day weekend from 1–4 January 2026. Fireworks, staycations, desert escapes — the possibilities are endless. Here’s your complete guide.

Who Gets the New Year Holiday in UAE?

Good news: almost everyone in the UAE enjoys paid public holidays, including New Year’s Day. Here’s the breakdown:

Government & Semi-Government Employees → Full paid holiday (federal & local entities).
Private Sector Employees → Paid day off as per UAE Labour Law (Federal Decree-Law 33/2021). Applies to mainland, DIFC, ADGM, and most free zones.
Blue-Collar & Labour Workers → Fully entitled. If required to work (e.g., hospitality, security, healthcare), they receive either a substitute day off or minimum 150% pay.
Domestic Workers → Entitled under Federal Law No. 10 of 2017. Employers must grant the holiday or provide compensation.
Schools & Universities → Usually closed or follow the public holiday calendar.

Why 5 Days Off? The Official 2026 Calendar Breakdown

New Year’s Day is governed by Cabinet Resolution No. 27 of 2024, which allows holidays falling on Thursday or mid-week to be moved to create longer weekends.

    Expected Schedule (subject to final Cabinet announcement):

    Wednesday 31 Dec 2025 → Normal working day (many finish early)

    Thursday 1 Jan 2026 → New Year’s Day (official holiday)

    Friday 2 Jan 2026 → Weekend + transferred holiday

    Saturday 3 Jan 2026 → Weekend

    Sunday 4 Jan 2026 → Back to work

    → 5 consecutive days off for most people!

Add one annual leave day on Sunday 4 Jan and turn it into a 6-day mega break.

Top 6 Ways to Spend Your 5-Day New Year Break in 2026

Burj Khalifa Fireworks & Dubai Staycation – Book a Downtown hotel early and wake up to brunch on 1 Jan.
Abu Dhabi Desert Glamping – Liwa, Qasr Al Sarab, or Al Wathba luxury camps under the stars.
Ras Al Khaimah Adventure – World’s longest zipline at Jebel Jais + mountain sunrise on 2 Jan.
Oman Road Trip – 5 days is perfect for Musandam or Khasab dhow cruises (visa-on-arrival for residents).
Atlantis or Maldives Short Hop – Direct 4-hour flights make a luxury island extension possible.
Chill Staycation – Zero plans, just pool-brunch-spa-repeat at Anantara, Sofitel, or Rixos.

Pro Tips to Make the Most of It

Book hotels & flights before 20 November 2025 — prices skyrocket closer to NYE.
Take Sunday 4 Jan as annual leave → 6 days off.
Check school calendars — most private schools follow public holidays.
Restaurants & attractions require pre-booking for 31 Dec & 1 Jan.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Is New Year’s Day 2026 a public holiday in UAE?

Yes, 1 January is an official paid public holiday for both public and private sectors.

2. Will the holiday be moved to Friday?

Highly likely. The Cabinet usually transfers Thursday holidays to Friday to create longer weekends. Final confirmation comes in December 2025.

3. Do part-time workers get the day off?

Yes, all employees (full-time & part-time) under UAE Labour Law are entitled to paid public holidays.

4. What if my company asks me to work on 1 January?

You must receive either a substitute rest day or pay of at least 150% of your basic wage.

5. Are banks and government offices closed?

Yes, all federal and local government entities, banks, and most malls operate on reduced hours or close completely from 1–3 January.

6. Can I travel internationally with just 5 days?

Absolutely! Georgia, Azerbaijan, Maldives, Sri Lanka, and Seychelles are all within 4–5 hours and offer visa-on-arrival for UAE residents.

7. When will the official 2026 holiday list be announced?

Typically in the last week of December 2025 via the UAE Cabinet and official government portals.

The 2026 New Year weekend is shaping up to be one of the best long breaks of the year. Whether you’re watching fireworks light up the Burj Khalifa, camping under desert stars, or simply sleeping in — make it count!

Happy New Year 2026! From all of us at [saraiki.pk] 🎉

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