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]()
Travel planners looking to streamline visa paperwork can leverage VisaHQ’s online platform, which allows UAE residents to check entry requirements, submit applications and track approvals for more than 200 countries in minutes. The service—accessible at https://www.visahq.com/united-arab-emirates/—is particularly handy during peak periods like this extended weekend, when consulates face higher volumes and processing windows tighten.
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.
Travel planners looking to streamline visa paperwork can leverage VisaHQ’s online platform, which allows UAE residents to check entry requirements, submit applications and track approvals for more than 200 countries in minutes. The service—accessible at https://www.visahq.com/united-arab-emirates/—is particularly handy during peak periods like this extended weekend, when consulates face higher volumes and processing windows tighten.
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.
