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UAE Declares 2 and 3 December 2026 Private-Sector Holiday for Eid Al Etihad

The UAE Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation has announced that 2 and 3 December 2026 will be paid public holidays for the private sector. The circular marks the country's 55th Eid Al Etihad across mainland and free zone jurisdictions. Employers requiring staff to work during this period must provide compensatory rest days or statutory overtime pay.

Published Source: Emirates News Agency
Issuing authority
Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation
Jurisdiction
United Arab Emirates
Publication date
November 13, 2026
Effective date
December 2, 2026
Stage
Final rule
Official document
MoHRE Circular
Official source
wam.ae
Illustration: A modern commercial business district in Dubai or Abu Dhabi with calm streets and contemporary office towers under a bright daytime sky,
Illustration

The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) issued a circular declaring Wednesday, 2 December, and Thursday, 3 December 2026, as paid statutory public holidays for all private-sector employees in the UAE.

The mandatory holiday marks the UAE's 55th Eid Al Etihad (National Day). The directive applies to commercial employers across all economic zones and mainland jurisdictions.

According to the announcement, employers must comply with standard statutory labour provisions. Under Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021, employees required to work during these official public holidays are legally entitled to alternative compensatory rest days or statutory overtime wage compensation.

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