The UAE federal authority has officially set the tone for ringing in 2026! According to the latest circular, January 1, 2026, will be a paid holiday for public-sector employees, perfect for kicking off the New Year in style.

And the celebrations don't have to end there. January 2 will be a remote-work day for federal government employees, giving everyone a little extra breathing room to ease back into work while still enjoying some family time. Of course, employees whose roles require them on-site will continue to report to work as usual — but with the New Year spirit still going strong. With the first paid holiday of 2026 now announced, excitement is building across the UAE as residents gear up for a festive season packed with celebrations.

In Dubai, New Year's Eve is gearing up to be an all-out celebration. Fireworks, drone shows, concerts, and beach parties will light up iconic spots like Global Village, Atlantis The Palm, and Bluewaters Island. Abu Dhabi isn't holding back either. The Sheikh Zayed Festival is rolling out a spectacular New Year lineup, including a 62-minite fireworks show in Al Wathba and the world's largest drone performance.

On top of that, visitors can explore cultural showcases, heritage experiences, and dazzling displays from participating countries and partners. And guess what? The evening's magic will unfold in five stages, beginning at 8pm and building up to the big midnight moment, when the sky erupts in the festival's grand finale fireworks. Are you excited?