The Dubai Human Resources Department has officially declared 1 January, 2025 as a public holiday for government-sector workers. This announcement ensures that public-sector employees will enjoy a day off on Wednesday, with regular office operations resuming on Thursday, 2 January, 2025.
The holiday declaration, however, excludes certain organisations and institutions. These include employees who work in shifts or perform roles essential to public service and the management of public facilities. These sectors will continue operations as required to ensure seamless service delivery.
The Federal Authority for Government Human Resources has also confirmed that 1 January will be a public holiday for both government and private- sector employees across the UAE. This alignment ensures the entire nation can mark the start of the new year with a day of rest and celebration.
As the first public holiday of 2025, 1 January sets the tone for a year that will include up to 13 days of public holidays for residents. The UAE Cabinet has announced slight adjustments to the timing of the Eid Al Fitr holiday, adding a unique touch to next year’s calendar of breaks.
In addition to Dubai, the emirates of Ajman and Sharjah have also declared 1 January as a public holiday for their government employees. This unified approach reflects the country’s commitment to work-life balance and the well-being of its workforce.