Understanding employee leave entitlements is crucial for businesses operating in the United Arab Emirates. The UAE Labour Law (Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021) provides a clear framework for various types of leave, ensuring employee well-being and compliance for employers. Navigating these regulations is essential for smooth operations and maintaining a positive work environment.
This guide outlines the key leave policies applicable in the UAE, covering annual leave, public holidays, sick leave, parental leave, and other types of statutory leave, providing clarity for managing your workforce in 2025.
Annual Vacation Leave
Employees in the UAE are entitled to paid annual leave, with the minimum entitlement varying based on their length of service.
- After six months but less than one year of service: Entitled to not less than two days of paid leave for each month.
- After one year of service: Entitled to not less than 30 days of paid leave for each year.
Annual leave accrues during the employment period. Employees are generally entitled to their full basic salary plus housing allowance (if applicable) during their annual leave. The employer can determine the start date of the annual leave and may divide the leave into periods, provided one period is not less than eight days. Employees must take their leave in the year it becomes due, though unused leave can sometimes be carried over or paid in lieu upon termination, subject to specific conditions and company policy within the legal framework.
Public Holidays and Observances
The UAE observes several public holidays throughout the year, during which employees are entitled to paid leave. The exact dates for some holidays, particularly those based on the Islamic calendar, are subject to official announcement and may vary slightly each year.
Here are the typical public holidays observed in the UAE:
| Holiday | Approximate Date (Gregorian) | Basis |
|---|---|---|
| New Year's Day | January 1 | Gregorian |
| Eid al-Fitr | Varies | Islamic |
| Arafat Day | Varies | Islamic |
| Eid al-Adha | Varies | Islamic |
| Islamic New Year | Varies | Islamic |
| Prophet Muhammad's Birthday | Varies | Islamic |
| Commemoration Day | December 1 | Gregorian |
| National Day | December 2 & 3 | Gregorian |
Note: Islamic holidays are based on the lunar calendar and their Gregorian dates shift each year. Official dates are announced closer to the time.
If a public holiday falls on a weekend, a compensatory day off may be granted, subject to specific regulations or company policy.
Sick Leave Policies and Pay
Employees in the UAE are entitled to sick leave after completing the probationary period, provided they present a medical report from a government-approved medical entity.
The entitlement structure for sick leave is as follows:
- First 15 days: Full pay
- Next 30 days: Half pay
- Any subsequent period: Unpaid leave
An employee is not entitled to sick leave pay during the probationary period. However, if an employee suffers from an illness during probation that requires more than 14 days of leave, they may be terminated with immediate effect, provided they receive their end-of-service entitlements.
Parental Leave
The UAE Labour Law provides specific entitlements for parental leave, including maternity and paternity leave.
- Maternity Leave: Female employees are entitled to 60 days of maternity leave.
- The first 45 days are at full pay.
- The subsequent 15 days are at half pay.
- An additional 30 days of unpaid leave may be granted in case of a post-childbirth illness for the mother or child, requiring a medical certificate.
- Female employees are also entitled to two additional hours per day for nursing breaks for six months after returning from maternity leave, which are considered working hours.
- Paternity Leave: Male employees are entitled to 5 working days of paid paternity leave. This leave can be taken intermittently or continuously within six months of the child's birth.
The law also includes provisions related to leave for employees adopting a child, aligning entitlements with those for biological parents under certain conditions.
Other Types of Leave
Beyond the primary categories, the UAE Labour Law also outlines entitlements for other specific types of leave:
- Bereavement Leave: Employees are entitled to paid bereavement leave in the event of a family member's death.
- 5 days for the death of a spouse.
- 3 days for the death of a parent, child, sibling, grandchild, or grandparent.
- This leave must be taken within one month from the date of death.
- Study Leave: Employees enrolled in an accredited educational institution within the UAE are entitled to 10 working days of paid study leave per year, provided they have completed at least two years of service with the employer. This leave is for the purpose of taking exams.
- Sabbatical Leave: While not a statutory entitlement for all employees, the law permits UAE national employees working in the government sector to be granted sabbatical leave for performing national service. Sabbatical leave in the private sector is typically subject to company policy and mutual agreement.
