The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation confirmed on 12 December that Thursday, 1 January 2026, will be a fully paid holiday for private-sector workers, matching the public-sector calendar. Although offices reopen on Friday, travel agencies predict many residents will bridge the gap to create a four-day weekend, intensifying passenger flows at Dubai (DXB) and Abu Dhabi (AUH) airports.
DXB and AUH have already warned of record December volumes; the added day off is expected to push daily throughput beyond 300,000 travellers as families bolt on short breaks to Georgia, Armenia, the Maldives and other visa-light destinations. Airlines are monitoring load factors and may up-gauge aircraft or add ad-hoc services in the final week of December.
![Paid 1 January holiday set to super-charge UAE outbound travel at start of 2026]()
For corporates, timing is critical: early January is popular for kick-off meetings and project hand-overs. Mobility managers should confirm staff availability, build extra travel time into rosters and pre-book visas for employees heading overseas during the long weekend.
HR departments have been advised to clarify attendance policies in advance to avoid last-minute leave requests. Public-sector bodies using a Sunday-to-Thursday week expect minimal disruption, but expatriate-heavy private firms may see staggered returns.
DXB and AUH have already warned of record December volumes; the added day off is expected to push daily throughput beyond 300,000 travellers as families bolt on short breaks to Georgia, Armenia, the Maldives and other visa-light destinations. Airlines are monitoring load factors and may up-gauge aircraft or add ad-hoc services in the final week of December.
For corporates, timing is critical: early January is popular for kick-off meetings and project hand-overs. Mobility managers should confirm staff availability, build extra travel time into rosters and pre-book visas for employees heading overseas during the long weekend.
HR departments have been advised to clarify attendance policies in advance to avoid last-minute leave requests. Public-sector bodies using a Sunday-to-Thursday week expect minimal disruption, but expatriate-heavy private firms may see staggered returns.
Source: VisaHQ Global Mobility News
