Sharjah authorities have confirmed that January 1, 2026 will be a public holiday for employees of all government entities, authorities and institutions. The emirate noted that, with New Year’s Day falling on a Thursday and Friday forming part of the three-day weekend already in place for public sector staff, official working hours will resume on Monday, January 5, 2026. The announcement excludes employees who operate under a shift-based system.
Earlier in the day, the UAE government stated that Thursday, January 1, 2026 will be an official paid holiday for federal employees, adding that Friday, January 2 will be designated as a remote-work day across federal ministries and departments.
The confirmation of the first paid holiday of 2026 has prompted preparations for an extended season of New Year celebrations across the country. Residents, expatriates and visitors are set to see a series of major fireworks and light events. In Ras Al Khaimah, officials are preparing a 15-minute fireworks show spanning six kilometres of coastline, featuring more than 2,300 drones along with pyrotechnics and laser displays. The emirate is also seeking to earn a Guinness World Record for the largest single firework to be launched.