Know your rights: 9 paid leave every private sector worker in the UAE should be aware of

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UAE labour law grants private sector workers 9 distinct types of paid leave to support work-life balance/ Image: Pexels

Balancing work with personal life can be challenging, but the UAE Labour Law offers several types of paid leave to support employees during significant life events and everyday needs.

Whether you’re welcoming a child, recovering from illness, pursuing education, or simply needing a break, the law guarantees that you don’t have to sacrifice your income.Understanding these leave entitlements is essential for all private sector workers in the UAE mainland. The law not only protects your right to time off but also sets clear rules on how and when these leaves can be taken, ensuring fairness for both employees and employers.Federal Decree Law No. 33 of 2021 clearly outlines these paid leave types, ranging from annual leave to sick leave, maternity and parental leave, public holidays, and more.This article breaks down the nine types of paid leave you’re legally entitled to, along with the conditions, duration, and payment details for each. Knowing this will empower you to claim your rights confidently and plan your time off accordingly.

1. Annual Leave

Employees who have completed one year of continuous full-time service are entitled to 30 calendar days of paid annual leave.
If you have worked for at least six months but less than a year, you can take annual leave at the rate of two days per month worked.
The UAE Labour Law (Article 29, clause 8) explicitly states that an employer cannot keep a worker continuously employed for more than two years without granting annual leave.
Part-time employees also have the right to annual leave, but the number of days is calculated proportionally based on the hours specified in their contracts.
Note: Companies face legal repercussions if they fail to pay employees for annual leave.

2. Weekly Rest Days

Per Article 21 of the UAE Labour Law, private sector employees are entitled to at least one full paid rest day per week.
Employers may grant more rest days if they wish, but one is the minimum guaranteed by law.
This rest day ensures employees have regular time off to rest and recharge during the workweek.

3. Public Holidays

Article 28 guarantees employees official leave on public holidays with full pay.
The UAE observes a list of public holidays, and employees must be compensated for these days without loss of pay.
If an employee works during an official public holiday, the law requires compensation for working on the leave day, either through additional pay or time off.

4. Sick Leave

Employees who have completed their probation period are entitled to up to 90 days of sick leave per year, which can be taken continuously or intermittently.
Salary during sick leave is paid as follows:
- Full pay for the first 15 days
- Half pay for the next 30 days
- No pay for the remaining 45 days
During the probation period, sick leave is unpaid and subject to employer approval, which must be based on a medical report issued by an authorized medical entity.
Employees should attest their sick leave certificates and medical reports online to comply with procedural requirements.

5. Parental Leave (For New Parents)

Private sector employees are entitled to five working days of paid parental leave.
This leave can be taken by either the mother or father.
The leave must be used within six months from the child’s date of birth.
This provision supports new parents during the critical early stages of parenthood.

6. Maternity Leave

Working mothers in the UAE private sector are entitled to 60 calendar days of maternity leave.
This leave includes:
- 45 days fully paid
- 15 days half paid
Mothers can apply for maternity leave up to 30 days before the expected delivery date.
The law also addresses maternity leave rights related to miscarriage and stillbirth, ensuring protections for women in such circumstances.

7. Study Leave

Employees enrolled in higher education within the UAE can take 10 days of paid study leave each year to sit for examinations.
To be eligible, employees must have completed at least two years of service with their current employer.
The educational institution must be located in the UAE.

8. Bereavement Leave

Bereavement or compassionate leave is granted for the death of close family members.
The UAE Labour Law specifies:
- Five days of paid leave for the death of a spouse.
- Three days of paid leave for the death of a parent, child, sibling, grandchild, or grandparent.
This leave allows employees time to mourn and manage family matters without financial or work pressure.

9. Sabbatical Leave (Extended Break for National Service)

Emirati private sector employees are entitled to paid sabbatical leave to perform mandatory national service.
Federal Law No. 6 of 2014 on National Military Service and Reserve Force, as amended, mandates that all medically fit Emirati men complete national service.
This leave is granted following approval from the National and Reserve Service Committee of the UAE Armed Forces’ General Command.
This ensures Emirati employees can fulfill national duties without losing pay or risking their job.

The UAE Labour Law’s detailed leave provisions reflect the country’s commitment to safeguarding employee welfare and promoting a balanced work-life environment. Employees in the private sector should be aware of these nine paid leave types to make sure their rights are respected and they receive the support needed during significant life events or personal needs.

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