UAE Reinforces Work-Life Balance With January 1, 2026 Paid Leave

UAE Announces Paid New Year Holiday for Private Sector Workforce

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has officially declared 1 January 2026 as a paid New Year holiday for private sector employees , reaffirming its commitment to workforce well-being and balanced labour practices. The announcement was issued by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) and aligns with the UAE Cabinet’s approved public holiday calendar.

Scope and Legal Applicability

The decision applies to all private sector employees across the UAE , ensuring uniformity with public sector holiday entitlements. Under UAE labour law, employers are required to provide paid leave on officially declared public holidays. By announcing the holiday well in advance, the government has offered clarity to businesses and employees regarding leave eligibility and compensation obligations.

Post-Holiday Work Schedule

New Year’s Day in 2026 falls on a Thursday . Private sector offices are expected to resume operations on Friday, 2 January , though authorities have not yet confirmed whether Friday will be observed as a working day or included as part of a long weekend. Employers have been advised to follow official updates or adhere to internal policies consistent with labour regulations.

Emphasis on Employee Well-being

Officials noted that predictable holiday scheduling supports both employee morale and organisational efficiency . Advance notification allows companies to plan staffing requirements while enabling employees to organise travel, family commitments and rest periods. The move reflects the UAE’s broader strategy to enhance workplace satisfaction and productivity in a diverse, expatriate-heavy labour market.

Public Holiday Policy Framework

The New Year holiday is part of the UAE’s unified public holiday framework, which covers religious, national and international observances . Authorities regularly review holiday schedules to maintain consistency across sectors and ensure compliance with labour standards. Clear communication of holidays is seen as essential for workforce stability and regulatory transparency.

Exam Oriented Facts

• January 1, 2026 declared a paid holiday for UAE private sector employees.

• Announced by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation .

• UAE follows a unified public holiday framework for all sectors.

• Paid public holidays are mandated under UAE labour law .