As per reports, the UAE Federal Authority has officially declared 01 January 2026, as a paid public-sector holiday for New Year’s Day. Following the celebration, 02 January 2026, is expected to be designated as a remote-work day for federal government employees. Employees whose roles require physical presence are expected to report to work as usual.

• With the announcement of the first paid holiday of 2026, residents, expatriates, and visitors across the UAE may prepare for an extended festive period. Major emirates have planned large-scale events, which are expected to draw significant crowds and increase travel and security pressures.
• Ras Al Khaimah is expected to host a 15-minute fireworks display along a six kilometres coastline, featuring over 2,300 drones, pyrotechnics, and laser effects. The event aims to set a Guinness World Record for the largest single firework ever launched.
• Dubai is expected to conduct widespread celebrations, including fireworks, drone shows, concerts, and beach events, at Global Village, Atlantis The Palm, Bluewaters Island, and other tourist hubs. Displays will begin early evening of 31 December and end at early hours of 01 January.
• Abu Dhabi’s Sheikh Zayed Festival may stage one of the region’s most extensive shows, featuring an unprecedented 62-minute fireworks display, the world’s largest drone performance, and cultural events from numerous partner countries and organisations.