Dubai's government has officially declared January 1, 2025, a public holiday for all Dubai government departments, the Dubai Government Human Resources (DGHR) Department confirmed. Normal business operations will resume on Thursday, January 2, 2025.
Dubai Government Departments Closed on January 1
All Dubai government departments will be closed for business on New Year's Day. The holiday covers the full working day, with staff not required to report unless their department falls under specific exemptions.
Ministries operating on shift schedules — along with those handling public services and facilities management — are not included in the holiday. These entities are authorised to determine appropriate working hours for their staff based on operational requirements, ensuring that essential public services continue uninterrupted throughout the New Year period.
Essential Services Remain Operational
The DGHR Department confirmed that shift-based and public-service ministries must model their staffing rotas to ensure clients do not experience service interruptions during the holiday break. The move ensures continuity for residents and visitors who rely on government services.
In its announcement, the DGHR Department extended New Year wishes to the leadership, countrymen, and residents of the UAE, wishing all a prosperous and happy New Year.
Dubai's Commitment to Public Holidays
The announcement reaffirms Dubai's established approach to officially recognising public holidays while safeguarding continuity of service delivery to the public. For UAE residents and government employees, January 1 joins the official calendar of public holidays observed across Dubai's government sector.
