Official Announcement: The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) has announced the New Year paid public holiday for 2026.

According to the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE), Thursday, January 1, 2026, will be a paid public holiday for employees across the UAE. This announcement applies to both public and private sector workers, aligning with the UAE’s official public holiday framework.

Additionally, the federal authorities have also confirmed that public sector employees will be allowed to work remotely on Friday, January 2, 2026. However, private sector employees working on-site may be required to report to work as usual on January 2, depending on company policy.

The 2026 Holiday Calendar (Quick View)

To help residents plan ahead, here’s a list we personally complied for your reference so you can plan for the UAE public holidays in 2026, including expected timeframes based on the Islamic calendar. Final dates remain subject to official moon sighting announcements.

● New Year’s Day – Thursday, January 1, 2026

● Eid Al Fitr – Expected late March 2026 (subject to moon sighting)

● Arafat Day – Expected late May 2026

● Eid Al Adha – Expected late May to early June 2026

● Islamic New Year – Expected mid to late June 2026

● Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) Birthday – Expected early September 2026

● Commemoration Day – Tuesday, December 1, 2026

● UAE National Day – Wednesday & Thursday, December 2–3, 2026

With several holidays expected to fall close to weekends, long weekends UAE 2026 remain highly likely, especially for residents who plan annual leave strategically around these periods.

Note: This blog is not responsible for any changes or variations, as the information is updated periodically. The above list is based on expected timelines and predictions. All users are advised to regularly check announcements from government websites and other official sources to stay updated.

Why the Government Took This Initiative: Long Weekends UAE 2026

The UAE government continues to emphasize the well-being, motivation, and commitment of both private and public sector employees. By clearly defining paid public holidays and allowing flexible arrangements such as remote work where possible, the initiative reflects a balance between productivity and employee welfare.

After the designated holidays, employees are expected to resume on-site work and report as usual, ensuring operational continuity while still benefiting from well-structured rest periods.

Bottom Line: Plan Ahead for 2026

2026 means you’re ready for smart planning, meaning an extended time off. By combining a few annual leave days with official holidays like New Year holiday Dubai 2026, residents can enjoy longer breaks without using excessive leave.

Many residents use this period for:

● Short staycations across Dubai or the Northern Emirates

● International travel during extended weekends

● Property viewings and relocation planning while offices operate on lighter schedules

The New Year holiday often sees increased interest in ready-to-move homes, as families take time to plan relocations or upgrades for the year ahead.

Are you ready to plan ahead for the upcoming holidays? Check out AZCO’s latest ready-to-move listings and take advantage of the New Year break to secure your next home with ease. 2025 is almost over, so it’s better late than never. Contact us today.