UAE announces holiday for private sector employees on New Year’s Day

Officials in the United Arab Emirates have announced that January 1 will be the first public holiday of 2023 to celebrate the new year.

The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratization announced o Tuesday that Sunday, January 1, 2023, would be an official paid holiday in the country for all private sector employees.

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While the holiday falls on a Sunday – meaning many will not be working - those still abiding by the old working week will be given a paid holiday.

In 2023, the next public holiday after New Year’s Day will be Eid al-Fitr, the festival that marks the end of Ramadan, in April. Next up is Arafat Day, the second day of the week-long Hajj pilgrimage, set to take place in June, followed by Eid al-Adha, set to fall on the last weekend of June.

The next public holiday will mark Islamic New Year on July 21, followed by Prophet Mohammed's birthday, with a public holiday on September 29.

The holiday for the UAE’s 52nd National Day falls on December 2 and 3.

Holidays for 2023

January 1: New Year's Day

April 20 to 23: Eid Al Fitr

June 27: Arafat Day

June 28 to 30: Eid Al Adha

July 21: Islamic New Year

September 29: Prophet Mohammed’s birthday

December 2 and 3: UAE National Day

Read more:

Looking ahead to 2023: When is the UAE’s next public holiday?