Private-sector workers in the United Arab Emirates will now receive a paid day off on 1 January, aligning their holiday entitlement with public-sector employees. The government’s announcement makes it mandatory for all private establishments, regardless of industry, to grant the New Year holiday without any deduction in wages.
The decision reflects ongoing labour reforms aimed at standardising employee benefits and promoting well-being across workplaces. Authorities highlighted that the move is part of efforts to create consistency in employment practices and ensure fair treatment for all workers.
This measure is expected to be particularly appreciated by expatriate employees, who form a significant portion of the private workforce. With a guaranteed paid holiday, employees will have the opportunity to start the year with a break, reinforcing work-life balance and parity between public and private sectors.
Employers have been instructed to comply with the directive, ensuring the new holiday is observed fully and in line with the government’s guidelines. The step marks another instance of the UAE’s commitment to enhancing worker benefits and promoting uniform employment standards across the country.