The Dubai Government Human Resources Department (DGHR) has issued an official circular declaring January 1, 2026, as a public holiday for all Dubai government departments on the occasion of New Year’s Day. Official work will resume on January 2, 2026, which has been designated as a remote working day for employees whose roles permit working from home.
The announcement specifies that this holiday arrangement does not apply to organisations operating on a shift system, nor to departments and institutions involved in services or management of public facilities. These exempted entities are authorised to determine appropriate working hours for their staff to maintain operational continuity and ensure the smooth delivery of services during the holiday period.
According to the DGHR statement, the exemption policy reflects the department’s commitment to balancing employee benefits with the essential needs of continuous public service delivery. The arrangement allows flexibility in how exempted organisations manage their workforce schedules based on their operational requirements.
The announcement comes as part of the broader New Year 2026 holiday framework in the UAE, which also affects the private sector with its own designated holiday schedule. As Dubai continues to position itself as a global hub for talent and innovation, such holiday policies reflect the emirate’s commitment to workforce wellbeing alongside maintaining essential services.
In its circular, DGHR extended greetings and best wishes to the UAE’s leadership, government, people, and residents, expressing hopes for a prosperous New Year filled with success and achievements across the emirate.
