As a four-day long weekend is expected in December to mark the UAE National Day weekend, many aim to club the holiday along with their paid leaves as they pre-plan to avoid last minute rush charges.
According to Federal Decree-Law No. (33) of the UAE Labor Law, 30 days of paid annual leave are entitled to all employees. The comprehensive set of leave entitlements endeavours to catering a better work-life balance and promote employee well-being.
The key types of leaves available to employees in the UAE are:
1. Annual Leave
• Entitlement: Employees are entitled to 30 days of paid annual leave after completing one year of service. For employees who have not yet completed a full year, leave is granted on a pro-rata basis.
• Timing: The timing of the leave is usually agreed upon between the employer and employee, considering the company’s operational requirements.
2. Sick Leave
• Entitlement: Employees are entitled to up to 90 days of sick leave per year, subject to the provision of a valid medical certificate.
• Pay: The first 15 days are fully paid, the next 30 days are paid at 50%, and the remaining 45 days are unpaid.
3. Maternity Leave
• Entitlement: Female employees are entitled to 60 days of maternity leave—45 days at full pay and 15 days at half pay.
• Additional Leave: An additional 45 days of unpaid leave can be taken if needed due to pregnancy-related illness or the inability to work.
4. Paternity Leave
Entitlement: Male employees are entitled to five days of paid paternity leave, to be taken within six months of the child’s birth.
5. Public Holidays
Entitlement: Employees are entitled to paid leave on official public holidays, which are declared by the UAE government and vary each year based on the Islamic calendar.
6. Hajj Leave
Entitlement: Muslim employees who have completed one year of service are entitled to up to 30 days of unpaid leave to perform Hajj, the Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca.
7. Study Leave
Entitlement: Employees who have completed two years of service may be granted up to 10 days of unpaid leave per year to sit for exams.
8. Compassionate Leave
Entitlement: Employees are entitled to three days of paid leave upon the death of a close relative (spouse, parent, child), and five days upon the death of a spouse.
9. Sabbatical Leave In The UAE
According to the UAE Labour Law, Emiratis working in the private sector are entitled to a paid sabbatical leave (extended break from work) to perform national service.
This knowledge demonstrates the UAE’s commitment to safeguard employee rights while maintaining the smooth operation of businesses.
