Is New Year’s Day a Public Holiday in Arab Countries?

• Fatima Saif
• . December 15, 2025
• . Update: December 15, 2025 12:10 am
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Whats open on New years day? January 1 lands differently across the Arab region. Some countries treat it as an official day off, especially where international business calendars matter. Others treat it like any normal workday, with offices running and schools following regular schedules.

That difference shapes everything. In places where January 1 is a public holiday, government counters shut, many banks pause, and some services run on shorter hours. In places where it is not a holiday, daily routines continue, though hotels and malls still lean into the New Year mood. And yes, it confuses travellers every single year.

What’s Open Across Major Arab Cities on New Year’s Day

Across the region, the easiest rule is simple. Consumer life stays open. The city “back office” often slows down. Malls, cafés, pharmacies, hotels, and grocery stores usually stay active, sometimes with adjusted hours.

The scene looks similar in Dubai, Doha, Riyadh, Cairo, Amman, and Beirut. The smell of coffee stays strong, food delivery scooters keep buzzing, and hotels keep lobbies busy with late checkouts. Tourist areas usually feel louder than residential streets.

One small tip that saves time: early afternoon tends to be the most reliable window for errands. Morning hours can be unpredictable, especially after a big New Year’s Eve.

What’s Usually Closed or Has Limited Hours on January 1

Government departments are the first to shut when a public holiday applies. Visa counters, licensing offices, labour departments, municipal desks, and similar services often remain closed. That includes paperwork tasks people forget until the last minute, like stamping documents or collecting official letters.

Banks often close or run limited service. ATMs usually work, but branch support may not. Couriers can slow down. Some medical clinics keep shorter shifts, though hospitals and emergency care continue.

And a small rant, politely said: relying on “walk in and finish it” plans on January 1 rarely works. A quick call saves an hour of traffic and frustration.

New Year’s Day Openings by City (Quick Comparison Table)

New Year’s Day Openings in the UAE (Dubai, Abu Dhabi)

In the UAE, January 1 commonly functions as a public holiday. That pushes government services and many corporate offices into closure mode. Yet Dubai and Abu Dhabi still operate like tourist cities. Retail stays active, and the service economy keeps moving.

Malls typically open, though timing can shift. Restaurants stay busy, especially around brunch. Hotels run full staff because travel does not stop. Beaches, promenades, and family attractions often remain open, but entry slots can fill fast.

Public transport usually runs, though some routes follow holiday timetables. Taxi demand rises, especially near major landmarks and hotel zones. It is the kind of day where planning a simple ride can take longer than expected. That’s real.

New Year’s Day Business Activity in Saudi Arabia and Qatar

Saudi Arabia and Qatar often treat January 1 as a regular business day, tied more closely to Islamic holiday calendars for official closures. So offices can operate, and banking routines may continue. Yet the consumer side still feels festive, because hotels and entertainment venues cater to international travellers and residents who mark the date.

Riyadh and Jeddah can feel “open but normal.” Shops, cafés, and malls usually run, sometimes with standard hours. Doha often looks similar, with hotel dinners and waterfront areas remaining busy.

The practical outcome is useful: paperwork tasks may still be possible in these cities, while similar tasks could be blocked in holiday-observing countries.

What’s Open in Egypt, Jordan, and Lebanon on January 1

Egypt often treats January 1 as a lighter day for official services, with many offices and banks closed or slower. Cairo still keeps malls and restaurants running. Tourist areas near major hotels remain active, and transport continues, though traffic patterns change. The air feels crisp early in the morning, then the city heats up quickly.

Jordan generally recognises the day more formally, so government offices often close and retail shifts into holiday rhythm. Amman’s cafés and malls usually keep doors open, and taxis keep running.

Lebanon varies depending on sector and local decisions. Beirut’s restaurants and cafés often remain active, while official services can slow. Anyone expecting fast admin work should plan another date.

FAQs About What’s Open on New Year’s Day in Arab Cities

1) Are malls open on New Year’s Day across major Arab cities?

Malls usually open on January 1 in most major Arab cities. Hours can shift, and some places start late after New Year’s Eve. Afternoon timings tend to stay more dependable than early morning.

2) Do government offices work on January 1 in the Arab region?

It depends on the country’s public holiday list for January 1. When it is a holiday, government counters stay closed for the day. Where it is not, offices may work normally but some desks still move slower.

3) Are banks and exchange houses available on January 1?

Banks often close or run limited hours in countries that observe January 1. Exchange shops may stay open in busy zones, but not every branch does. ATMs usually work, so keeping backup cash helps.

4) Is public transport reliable on New Year’s Day in cities like Dubai and Cairo?

Public transport usually runs, but timings can change for the day. Crowded areas can cause longer waits, especially near malls and landmarks. Leaving earlier than usual avoids the common delays.

5) Which places stay busiest on January 1, malls or tourist attractions?

Tourist spots and hotel areas often stay crowded because visitors move around. Malls can also get packed later in the day, especially during evening hours. Early afternoon often feels calmer for quick errands.