Understanding and adhering to the United Arab Emirates' (UAE) vacation and leave policies is crucial for businesses operating within the country. The UAE Labour Law sets out the minimum standards for employee leave entitlements, aiming to protect employee rights while also providing a framework for employers to manage their workforce effectively. These regulations cover various types of leave, including annual leave, public holidays, sick leave, and parental leave, each with specific conditions and entitlements.
Navigating these policies can be complex, especially for international companies expanding into the UAE market. Staying up-to-date with the latest amendments to the Labour Law is essential to ensure compliance and maintain positive employee relations. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the key aspects of vacation and leave policies in the UAE as of 2025.
Annual Vacation Leave
The UAE Labour Law stipulates minimum annual leave entitlements for employees, which vary based on the length of service:
- Employees with more than one year of service but less than five years are entitled to at least 30 calendar days of paid annual leave per year.
- Employees with less than one year of service are entitled to pro-rata leave based on their period of employment.
Employers may grant more generous annual leave entitlements than the statutory minimum. It's important to note the following regulations:
- Annual leave must be taken within the year it is accrued, unless the employer agrees to carry it over to the following year.
- Employees are entitled to payment in lieu of any untaken leave upon termination of employment.
- The employer determines when the annual leave is taken, considering the employee's preferences and the operational requirements of the business.
- During annual leave, employees are entitled to receive their basic salary plus any housing allowance they are entitled to.
Public Holidays
The UAE observes a number of public holidays each year, providing employees with paid time off. The exact dates of Islamic holidays are subject to moon sighting and may vary. The following table lists the expected public holidays for 2025:
| Holiday | Approximate Date(s) | Duration (Days) |
|---|---|---|
| New Year's Day | January 1 | 1 |
| Eid al-Fitr (End of Ramadan) | March 31 - April 2 | 3 |
| Arafat Day | June 6 | 1 |
| Eid al-Adha (Feast of Sacrifice) | June 7 - June 9 | 3 |
| Islamic New Year | June 26 | 1 |
| Prophet Muhammad's Birthday | September 4 | 1 |
| National Day | December 2 - December 3 | 2 |
Employees are entitled to full pay during public holidays. If an employee is required to work on a public holiday, they are entitled to either a day off in lieu or overtime pay as per the Labour Law.
Sick Leave
The UAE Labour Law outlines the following sick leave entitlements for employees who have completed their probationary period:
- Up to 90 days of sick leave per year.
- The first 15 days are paid at full pay.
- The next 30 days are paid at half pay.
- The remaining 45 days are unpaid.
To be eligible for sick leave, employees must provide a valid medical certificate from an approved medical facility. Employers may require employees to undergo a medical examination to verify their illness. It is important to note:
- Sick leave is not accrued; it is a benefit available to employees when needed.
- Employees are not entitled to sick leave during their probationary period.
- Employers may terminate an employee's service if they exhaust their sick leave entitlement and are unable to return to work.
Parental Leave
The UAE Labour Law provides for both maternity and paternity leave to support employees in balancing their work and family responsibilities.
Maternity Leave
Female employees are entitled to:
- 60 days of maternity leave.
- The first 45 days are paid at full pay.
- The subsequent 15 days are paid at half pay.
Additional provisions include:
- Maternity leave can commence up to 30 days before the expected date of delivery.
- Following maternity leave, female employees are entitled to take additional unpaid leave for up to 45 days for childcare purposes.
- During and after maternity leave, female employees are protected from termination.
- Upon returning to work, female employees are entitled to nursing breaks for up to one year from the date of delivery.
Paternity Leave
Male employees are entitled to:
- 5 working days of paid paternity leave.
- This leave must be taken within the first six months of the child's birth.
Adoption Leave
The UAE Labour Law also grants leave for employees who adopt a child:
- Both male and female employees are entitled to 30 days of paid adoption leave.
- This leave must be taken within six months from the date of adoption.
Other Types of Leave
In addition to the standard leave types, employers may offer other types of leave, such as:
- Bereavement Leave: While not mandated by law, many employers offer a few days of paid bereavement leave to employees who have experienced the death of a close family member.
- Study Leave: Some employers provide study leave to employees pursuing further education or professional development. The terms of study leave, including whether it is paid or unpaid, are typically determined by the employer's internal policies.
- Sabbatical Leave: Sabbatical leave, which is a longer period of leave for personal or professional development, is not legally required in the UAE. However, some employers may offer it as a benefit to attract and retain talent. The terms and conditions of sabbatical leave are determined by the employer.
