ABU DHABI — The government in the United Arab Emirates has confirmed Jan. 1 (Friday) will be an official paid holiday for all private-sector employees in the country to celebrate the New Year.

The announcement was made in a circular issued by the UAE Minister of Human Resources and Emiratisation Nasser bin Thani Al Hamli.

"Nasser Bin Thani Al Hamli, Minister of Human Resources and Emiratisation has announced that Friday, Jan. 1, 2021, will be a paid holiday for all private-sector establishments, on the occasion of New Year, as per the decision of the UAE Cabinet on official holidays for 2021", the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation announced in a tweet.

However, with Jan. 1 falling on Friday this year, most workers will not get an additional day off.

The UAE recently released a full list of public holidays for public and private sectors in 2021. — Agencies