UAE confirms 2 and 3 December as paid private-sector holidays
MoHRE has confirmed two paid Eid Al Etihad holidays. Employers should plan essential shifts and decide how work on those days will be compensated.
What employers need to know
Wednesday, 2 December, and Thursday, 3 December 2026 are paid public holidays for UAE private-sector employees. The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) announced the dates on 13 November for the UAE’s 55th National Day, Eid Al Etihad.
Who is covered and the legal basis
MoHRE’s announcement covers employees of private-sector establishments across the UAE. It confirms the dates for 2026 set out in Article 1 of UAE Cabinet Resolution No. 27 of 2024. Friday, 4 December, is outside MoHRE’s private-sector announcement.
The compensation rules below apply to workers covered by Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021. Employers under a separate employment regime, such as DIFC or ADGM, should consult the applicable rules in their jurisdiction.
How to compensate staff who work on a holiday
Article 28 of Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021 provides for paid public holidays. If an employee must work on a public holiday, the employer provides another day off for each holiday worked or pays the normal daily wage plus at least 50% of the basic daily wage.
Suppose an employee covered by the federal labour law works on 2 December and the company chooses cash compensation. With a normal daily wage of AED 400 and a basic daily wage of AED 300, minimum total pay for the day is AED 550. This consists of AED 400 in ordinary pay and an AED 150 supplement. Account for ordinary pay already included in salary when processing payroll.
What to do before 2 December
Mark both dates as paid public holidays in staff schedules and timekeeping. Approve essential shifts, tell employees in advance how work will be compensated and record shifts for payroll or days off in lieu. Let clients know when the office and essential teams will be available.
Sources
- MoHRE · announcement of 13 November 2026
- WAM · report on the dates announced by MoHRE
- UAE Legislation · Cabinet Resolution No. 27 of 2024, Article 1
- UAE Legislation · Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021, Article 28