UAE Leave Rules 2026: Annual Leave, Sick Leave and Leave Salary Guide

byUAE Free Job -

UAE Leave Rules 2026: Annual Leave, Sick Leave and Leave Salary Guide

Written by Nefisa M, UAE Career Specialist

Last updated: June 12, 2026

Leave rules are one of the most common areas of confusion for UAE employees. Many workers know they have annual leave, but they are not sure when it starts, how many days they can take, whether public holidays count inside annual leave, how sick leave is paid, or what happens to unused leave when they resign.

This guide explains UAE private-sector leave rules in 2026 in a simple and practical way. It covers annual leave, sick leave, maternity leave, parental leave, compassionate leave, study leave, Hajj leave, public holidays, weekly rest days, leave salary, and unused leave payment during final settlement.

The information is based on official UAE Government and MOHRE guidance. However, leave rules can vary for government employees, domestic workers, certain free zones, and special contracts, so always check your own employment contract and official sources before making a decision.

UAE Leave Rules 2026 complete guide detailing annual leave, sick leave pay, and maternity regulations for private sector workers.

Quick Answer: What Leave Is an Employee Entitled to in the UAE?

Private-sector employees in the UAE are entitled to annual leave, sick leave, maternity leave, parental leave, compassionate or bereavement leave, study leave, Hajj leave, weekly rest days, and paid public holidays, depending on eligibility and contract conditions.

For annual leave, employees who complete one year of service are entitled to 30 days of fully paid annual leave. Employees with more than six months but less than one year of service are entitled to two days of leave for each month of service.

UAE Leave Rules at a Glance

Leave Type Main Rule
Annual leave 30 calendar days after one year of service, or 2 calendar days per month after more than six months and less than one year.
Sick leave Up to 90 days per year after probation: 15 days full pay, 30 days half pay, 45 days unpaid.
Maternity leave 60 days total: 45 days full pay and 15 days half pay. No minimum service period required. Available from Day 1.
Parental leave 5 paid working days for either the mother or father, to be completely utilized within six months (180 days) of the child's birth.
Bereavement leave 5 paid working days for the death of a spouse; 3 paid working days for the death of a parent, child, sibling, grandchild, or grandparent.
Study leave 10 paid working days per year for exams, if studying in a UAE accredited institution and completed at least two years of service.
Hajj leave Unpaid leave, up to 30 days, granted only once during total employment tenure with the same employer.

1. Annual Leave Rules in the UAE

Annual leave is the main paid vacation entitlement for private-sector employees in the UAE. According to official UAE Government guidance, employees are entitled to annual leave after completing six months of service.

If the employee has completed one year of service, they are entitled to 30 days of fully paid annual leave. If the employee has completed more than six months but less than one year, they are entitled to two days of leave for each month of service.

If employment ends before the employee uses their annual leave, the employee may be entitled to payment for unused annual leave, including leave accrued for part of the final year.

2. Can the Employer Decide Annual Leave Dates?

Employers may set annual leave dates according to work requirements, in agreement with the employee, or arrange leave in rotation to maintain business continuity. Official guidance says the employer should notify the employee of leave dates at least one month in advance.

This means employees should not always assume they can take leave on any date they want. At the same time, employers should manage leave fairly and clearly. If you need leave for family travel, school holidays, medical appointments, or home-country visits, request it early and keep written approval.

3. Can Unused Annual Leave Be Carried Forward?

Unused annual leave may be carried forward to the following year with the employer's consent and in line with company regulations. If leave is carried forward, the employee may be entitled to payment for unused days calculated on the basis of basic salary.

Official UAE guidance also says the employer may not prevent an employee from using accrued annual leave for more than two consecutive years unless the employee chooses to carry it over or receive cash compensation according to company policy and the law's implementing regulations.

For safety, employees should keep leave approval emails, HR portal records, and leave balance screenshots. This helps if there is a dispute during resignation or final settlement.

4. Are Public Holidays Counted Inside Annual Leave?

Official UAE guidance says public holidays or agreed leave days that fall within the annual leave period are considered part of annual leave unless the employment contract or company policy gives more favourable terms to the employee.

This is important because under the federal framework, annual leave is calculated on calendar days, not working days. This means any regular weekends or official public holidays falling inside your approved vacation block are counted against your annual leave balance, unless your company policy states otherwise.

5. Leave Salary and Unused Leave Payment

When an employee resigns or employment ends before they use their annual leave, they may be entitled to payment for unused leave. Official UAE guidance says unused annual leave payment is calculated on the basis of basic salary.

This is why your basic salary matters. If your total package is AED 10,000 but your basic salary is AED 5,000, unused annual leave payment may be calculated using the basic salary, not the full package, depending on the applicable rule and final settlement calculation.

Before signing final settlement, ask HR for a written breakdown showing final salary, unused leave, gratuity if eligible, deductions, and net payable amount.

6. Sick Leave Rules in the UAE

After completing the probation period, an employee may be entitled to sick leave of up to 90 days per year of service, whether continuous or intermittent. Official UAE Government guidance explains the sick leave payment structure as follows:

  • First 15 days: full pay (100%)
  • Next 30 days: half pay (50%)
  • Remaining 45 days: unpaid (0%)

Employees must notify the employer about their sickness within a maximum of three days (48 hours) and submit a valid medical report issued by an authorized medical entity. During probation, an employee is generally not entitled to paid sick leave, but the employer may grant unpaid sick leave based on a recognised medical report.

7. Can an Employee Be Terminated While on Sick Leave?

Official UAE guidance says an employer may not dismiss an employee or give termination notice while the employee is on sick leave. However, if the employee uses all 90 days of sick leave and is still unable to return to work, the employer may terminate employment, and the employee may still be entitled to end-of-service benefits according to the law.

If you are seriously ill, keep medical reports, sick leave certificates, HR communication, and salary records. Do not rely only on verbal conversations when your health and job status are involved.

8. Maternity Leave in the UAE Private Sector

A female worker in the UAE private sector is entitled to maternity leave of 60 days. Official UAE Government guidance explains that 45 days are fully paid and 15 days are half paid. There is no minimum service period required to qualify for maternity leave or pay; it is available from your first day on the job.

The employee may apply for maternity leave up to 30 days before the expected delivery date. Additional unpaid leave of up to 45 days may apply if the employee has an illness related to pregnancy or childbirth and cannot resume work, supported by a medical certificate from the relevant medical authority.

If the baby has a disability or requires continuous medical care, the mother is entitled to an extra 30 days of fully paid leave after the core maternity block, which can be extended by another 30 days unpaid. After returning to work, she is also entitled to one or two paid breastfeeding breaks totaling up to one hour daily for six months following delivery.

9. Parental Leave for Mother and Father

Private-sector employees are entitled to parental leave of 5 paid working days from the birth of the child. This leave can be applied for consecutively or separately by both the mother and father of the baby, and must be completely utilized within six months (180 days) of the child's birth.

If you are planning parental leave, inform HR early and ask what documents are required, such as birth certificate or hospital documentation. Keep the approval in writing.

10. Compassionate or Bereavement Leave

Private-sector employees are entitled to paid compassionate or bereavement leave in certain family death situations. Under Article 32 of the labor law, this entitlement is calculated in working days and begins exactly from the date of death:

  • 5 working days: In the event of the death of a spouse.
  • 3 working days: In the event of the death of a parent, child, sibling, grandchild, or grandparent.

Deductions cannot be made from your annual leave balance for these days. Ask HR what document is required (such as an official death certificate) and how the leave should be recorded.

11. Study Leave in the UAE

An employee studying in one of the UAE's accredited educational institutions may be entitled to paid study leave of 10 working days per year to sit for examinations, provided they have completed at least two years of service with the employer.

This is useful for professionals completing higher education, professional development, or formal study while working. Before applying, confirm whether your institution and exam schedule meet the requirements.

12. Hajj and Umrah Leave

Under UAE Labour Law, employees may be granted special leave for Hajj. Official UAE Government guidance explains that Hajj leave is unpaid, must not exceed 30 days, and is granted only once during employment with the same employer.

The UAE Labour Law does not provide specific provisions for Umrah leave. If an employee requests Umrah leave, the employer may approve it, deduct it from annual leave, or grant unpaid leave depending on company policy and agreement.

13. Weekly Rest Days and Public Holidays

Private-sector employees are entitled to at least one paid rest day per week, as specified in the employment contract or company work regulations. Companies may grant additional rest days at their discretion.

Employees are also entitled to paid leave on public holidays observed in the UAE. If an employee is required to work during official holidays or leave days, official UAE guidance says the employee should be compensated with another rest day or paid for that day with normal wage plus an additional allowance of at least 50 percent of basic wage.

Common Leave Mistakes Employees Should Avoid

  • Not checking leave balance before resigning.
  • Assuming all unused leave will be paid on full salary instead of basic salary.
  • Taking sick leave without a valid medical report.
  • Not notifying the employer within the required time during sickness.
  • Assuming public holidays will always be added separately during annual leave.
  • Depending only on verbal leave approval.
  • Not reading company policy on leave carry-forward.
  • Signing final settlement without checking unused leave payment.

Questions to Ask HR About Leave

  • How many annual leave days do I currently have?
  • Is my leave calculated in calendar days or working days?
  • How is unused annual leave paid during final settlement?
  • Can I carry forward unused leave to the next year?
  • What is the company policy for public holidays during annual leave?
  • What medical documents are required for sick leave?
  • How do I apply for maternity, parental, bereavement, or study leave?
  • Where can I see my official leave balance?

UAE Leave Checklist for Employees

  • I have checked my employment contract leave clause.
  • I know my annual leave balance.
  • I understand how unused leave is paid.
  • I keep written approval for leave requests.
  • I know the sick leave reporting process.
  • I know whether public holidays count during annual leave in my company.
  • I check leave balance before resigning.
  • I ask HR for final settlement breakdown before signing.
  • I verify unclear leave issues through official UAE sources.

Helpful UAE Career Guides

Frequently Asked Questions

How many annual leave days do UAE private-sector employees get?

Employees who complete one year of service are entitled to 30 calendar days of fully paid annual leave. Employees with more than six months but less than one year are entitled to two days per month.

Is unused annual leave paid when resigning?

Yes, if employment ends before the employee uses annual leave, official UAE guidance says the employee is entitled to payment for unused leave, calculated on the basis of basic salary only.

How many sick leave days are allowed in the UAE?

After probation, an employee may be entitled to up to 90 days of sick leave per year of service: 15 days full pay, 30 days half pay, and 45 days unpaid.

Is maternity leave paid in the UAE private sector?

Yes. Maternity leave is 60 days, with 45 days fully paid and 15 days half paid, according to official UAE Government guidance. No minimum service period is required.

Do fathers get parental leave in the UAE?

Yes. Parental leave is 5 paid working days and can be applied for by both mother and father, to be used within six months (180 days) of the child's birth.

Is Hajj leave paid in the UAE?

Hajj leave is unpaid, may not exceed 30 days, and is granted only once during employment with the same employer.

Author Review

This article was prepared by Nefisa M, UAE Career Specialist, to help UAE employees understand leave rights, leave salary, sick leave, maternity leave, and final settlement basics in a practical way.

Nefisa M writes UAE career guidance for job seekers and employees in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, and across the UAE, including job search advice, salary awareness, CV writing, interview preparation, employee rights, and work visa topics.

Official References

Important Note

This article is for general career information only and is not legal advice. UAE labour rules, employer policies, free zone regulations, government-sector rules, domestic worker rules, and individual contracts can vary. Always confirm your exact case with official UAE Government sources, MOHRE, your employer, or a qualified professional before making employment or leave-related decisions.

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