The United Arab Emirates has declared Wednesday, December 2, and Thursday, December 3, as official paid holidays for private sector employees. The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation confirmed the dates on Friday in celebration of the country’s 55th National Day, officially recognized as Eid Al Etihad.
The ministerial directive applies to all private establishments, commercial firms, and industrial facilities operating across the seven emirates. Workers will resume normal business operations on Sunday or Monday, depending on their regular weekly shift schedules.
Official Paid Holiday Schedule for Workplaces
The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation issued the circular under unified federal holiday regulations. Under standard UAE labor statutes, both private and public sector employees receive full compensation during approved national observances.
Employees who follow a Saturday-and-Sunday weekend will return to work on Friday or transition into their standard weekend break, based on their company work arrangements. Employers who require staff to work during the holiday must grant equivalent compensatory leave or provide statutory holiday overtime pay.
Federal workplace authorities urged commercial entities to plan staffing schedules early to maintain critical operations while honoring worker entitlements.
Five-Day Extended Weekend for Public Sector
The private sector announcement closely follows a parallel circular released by the Federal Authority for Government Human Resources. Federal ministries, state authorities, and public sector entities will observe an extended three-day official holiday from Wednesday, December 2, through Friday, December 4.
Federal government operations will officially resume on Monday, December 7. The timing offers public sector staff an unbroken five-day recess when combined with the regular weekend.
Public transit operators, emergency services, and healthcare facilities will continue operating under dedicated holiday rosters throughout the celebration period.
Celebrating 55 Years of Union and Family Heritage
This year's celebrations mark the 55th anniversary of the founding of the United Arab Emirates on December 2, 1971. The historic unification brought together six founding emirates under the leadership of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, with Ras Al Khaimah joining the federation in February 1972.
Authorities announced that the 2026 Eid Al Etihad theme aligns with the nation’s Year of Family. The official initiative honors the diverse generations, households, and long-standing communities that contribute to national progress.
Public squares, cultural landmarks, and major municipal venues across Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and the Northern Emirates have scheduled heritage displays, fireworks exhibitions, and community festivals to commemorate the milestone.
