UAE Confirms New Year’s Day 2026 Holiday for Federal Employees

To ease the transition back to work, Friday, January 2, 2026, will be observed as a remote-working day for federal employees. Staff whose roles require a physical presence will continue to report on site, while others can work from home – a move aimed at balancing operational needs with family time after the celebrations.

The announcement comes as the UAE prepares for one of its busiest festive periods. Across the country, residents, expats and visitors are gearing up for large-scale New Year’s Eve events, with fireworks, drone shows and light displays expected to draw huge crowds.

Ras Al Khaimah is planning a particularly ambitious celebration – a 15-minute fireworks show stretching across six kilometres of coastline, supported by more than 2,300 drones, lasers and pyrotechnics. Officials have also confirmed an attempt to set a Guinness World Record for the largest single firework ever launched.

Other emirates are set to deliver equally high-profile celebrations. Dubai will host fireworks, drone performances, concerts and beachside parties at locations including Global Village, Atlantis The Palm and Bluewaters Island, while Abu Dhabi’s Sheikh Zayed Festival will stage a five-part New Year’s Eve programme in Al Wathba, culminating in a 62-minute fireworks and drone spectacle at midnight.