Sharjah declares 4-day New Year break for public sector staff
Remote-work day scheduled for federal staff across the UAE
SHARJAH – The Emirate of Sharjah has declared a four-day holiday for all government employees to mark New Year 2026.
The emirate confirmed that Thursday, 1 January 2026, will be an official public holiday for staff across Sharjah government entities, authorities, and institutions.
With Friday already part of the three-day weekend for public sector workers, the break will run through the weekend, and official duties will resume on Monday, 5 January 2026.
New Year holiday
The announcement applies to all Sharjah government employees except those operating under the shift system.
The extended New Year break provides one of the longest year-opening public holidays in the country, as the emirate already follows a three-day weekend for its government workforce.
NYE holiday across UAE
Earlier, the UAE confirmed that Thursday, 1 January 2026, will be a paid public holiday for federal government employees under a circular issued by the Federal Authority for Government Human Resources. The directive also designates Friday, 2 January 2026, as a remote-work day for federal staff, except for roles requiring on-site presence.
The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation has separately confirmed the same New Year’s Day holiday for the private sector across the UAE.
New Year festivities
With the New Year holiday officially announced, preparations are underway for celebrations across the country. In Ras Al Khaimah, officials are planning a 15-minute fireworks display stretching across 6 kilometres of coastline, featuring more than 2,300 drones, pyrotechnics, and lasers.
The emirate is also aiming to set a Guinness World Record for the largest single firework ever launched, adding to the festive atmosphere anticipated throughout the UAE.