Leave Policy in UAE| Complete Guide to Employee Rights and Employer Compliance

The leave policy in UAE plays a bigger role than just a formality. It defines how much time you can take off, what you’ll be paid for & when you’re entitled to step away from work without worry. For professionals building a career here, it’s not just a rulebook; it’s basically protection and balance in one. This article unpacks the leave policy clearly, so you can navigate your rights with confidence and make the most of your benefits.

1. Introduction

If you work in the UAE, the leave policy in UAE shapes how you can plan your time off, how the compensation is & how the work-life balance holds up over the year. It defines the right to rest, recover or take personal time without any financial stress. Understanding how this policy works helps one make informed decisions and ensures that employers are aligned with the labour law. Let’s walk through what the leave policy really means for professionals in UAE.

2. What is the Leave Policy in UAE?

The leave policy in UAE is built on the Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021, which governs employment relationships across all the private sector. It’s the legal foundation that defines how much time off employees can take, also how that time should be paid & the fair treatment of what they’re entitled to while being away from work. In simple terms, it ensures that every professional has the right to rest without losing any income or opportunities. Employers, on the other hand, are legally required to honour these entitlements and manage leave in line with the UAE’s labour standards.

3. Types of Leave Under the Leave Policy in UAE

The leave policy in UAE outlines several categories of time off designed to protect employees’ well-being & it also maintains workplace balance. Each type serves a specific purpose and comes with a clear eligibility criteria and payment rules.

• Annual Leave
  According to the leave policy of the UAE, employees who have completed one year of continuous service are entitled to 30 calendar days of paid leave per year. Those who have worked for more than six months but less than a year receive two days of leave for each month of service. Annual leave should ideally be taken within the same year unless the employer agrees otherwise. If employment ends before the leave is used, payment for the unused days becomes due as per the law.
• Sick Leave
  After completing the probation period, an employee becomes eligible for up to 90 days of sick leave per year, also payment during this period is structured progressively, which is-

First 15 days – full pay
Next 30 days – half pay
Remaining 45 days – unpaid
This system ensures fair compensation while allowing adequate recovery time.

• Maternity Leave
  Under the leave policy of UAE, female professionals are granted 60 days of maternity leave, divided as follows:

45 days with full pay
15 days with half pay 

Additional unpaid leave may be granted in cases of medical complications, subject to valid documentation.

• Paternity / Parental Leave
  Employees in the private sector are entitled to five working days of paid parental leave, which can be taken within six months of a child’s birth. This provision applies to both fathers and mothers, which supports the shared responsibility in childcare.
• Official Leaves and Weekly Rest Days
  The leave policy ensures that at least one paid rest day per week is there, which promotes work-life balance. Public holidays declared by the UAE government are also treated as paid leave days. If work is required on these official holidays, employees are compensated with either an alternative rest day or additional pay amounting to at least 50% more than the regular wage, as outlined in Article 28 of the Labour Law.
• Other Leave Types
  The additional leave categories are recognised under the leave policy in UAE which include study leave, Hajj or pilgrimage leave & bereavement leave. These are typically governed by company policies or specific eligibility requirements which offers flexibility to accommodate different personal or religious obligations.

Overall, the leave policy in UAE provides a structured and fair approach to time-off entitlements which ensures that both employees and employers operate within a clear and balanced framework.

4. Eligibility Under the Leave Policy in UAE

To know if you qualify, check the following under the leave policy in UAE:

• You must be employed in the private sector, since the public sector may have different rules
  
• You must have completed your probation period this also varies by employer
  
• For annual leave at least you need to serve six months of service if you haven’t yet completed a year.
  
• For other leave types like sick, maternity, etc, the employer may require a valid certificate like a medical, birth certificate, etc
  
• Some leave types may apply only after certain service lengths.

5. Procedure and Steps Under the Leave Policy

Here’s how you should proceed if you want to apply for leave under the leave policy of UAE:

• Review the employment contract and internal policy to confirm that it meets with UAE labour law provisions on any employee leave entitlements.
  
• Verify the eligibility based on the total service duration, job status & category of leave requested before submitting any formal application.
  
• Submit a written request through the company’s designated system or HR platform and proceed with the internal approval procedures.
  
• Attach all relevant supporting documents, such as medical or birth certificates. This depends on the nature of the leave.
  
• Await management or HR confirmation of approved leave dates, pay calculation & any applicable replacement arrangements.
  
• Upon termination or resignation, you must ensure that all pending paid leave balances are properly calculated and compensated in the final settlement.

6. Quick Reference Table| Leave Policy in UAE Summary

7. FAQs

Q: Can an employer refuse a leave request?
A: Yes, but only if the request doesn’t meet legal or company policy conditions.

Q: What happens to unused leave after resignation?
A: Unused paid leave must be compensated based on the employee’s basic salary.

Q: Does the policy cover part-time employees?
A: Yes, entitlements are calculated proportionally to the contracted working hours.

8. Conclusion

The leave policy in UAE plays a crucial role in protecting employee rights and also ensures fair workplace practices. A clear understanding of these rules helps maintain transparency between employers and staff it also supports a healthy work-life balance. Businesses that align internal policies with UAE labour law not only stay compliant but also build stronger, more motivated teams.

Arnifi assists companies in achieving this through expert guidance in HR compliance, policy formulation, payroll setup, visa assistance & complete business formation services. Connect with Arnifi to keep every aspect of your business legally sound and efficiently managed. Book a free consultation today.