Know your rights: UAE leave rules every employee should understand in 2025
Leave rules include bereavement, parental, study and public holiday entitlements
DUBAI: The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) has laid out detailed leave entitlements under Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021, regulating labour relations across the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
With its accompanying Executive Regulations, the law aims to provide a healthy balance between professional and personal life for employees in both full-time and part-time roles.
Whether you are new to the workforce or an experienced professional, understanding these entitlements is key to navigating the workplace in 2025.
Weekly rest days
Employees working in the UAE private sector are entitled to at least one fully paid weekly rest day, as stated in their employment contract or internal company policies. This paid day off, typically taken on a Friday or Sunday, is mandatory, although employers may enhance this benefit by offering more than one rest day. The UAE Cabinet also has the authority to increase rest days through official resolutions.
These rest periods are crucial for maintaining physical and mental wellbeing, and their inclusion in the labour law aligns with international standards, making the UAE a competitive destination for jobseekers.
Annual leave
Employees who have completed at least one year of continuous service are entitled to 30 calendar days of fully paid annual leave. For employees with six months to less than a year of service, the entitlement is two days of paid leave per month.
Part-time workers receive leave calculated in proportion to hours worked, with a minimum of five working days annually. These provisions ensure fair treatment across different types of employment.
Leave during probation
Employees may, with employer approval, use accrued leave during their probation period. If the employment contract ends before confirmation, unused leave must be compensated based on the employee’s basic salary, safeguarding their rights even during early employment stages.
Scheduling and carrying leave
Annual leave should ideally be used in the year it is earned. Employers have the right to determine leave dates based on operational needs, either by mutual agreement or through a rotating schedule. Employees must be informed at least one month in advance of their scheduled leave.
Unused leave may be carried forward with employer consent, subject to internal policies. If an employee resigns or is terminated, they are entitled to a payout for unused annual leave, calculated using the basic salary and adjusted proportionally for partial years.
Public holidays
Employees are entitled to fully paid leave on all official public holidays, as declared annually by the UAE Cabinet. If a public holiday falls during annual leave, it typically counts within the leave period unless specified otherwise by contract or company rules.
Working on holidays
If an employee is required to work on a public holiday, the employer must either:
- Grant a compensatory day off, or
- Pay the basic wage plus at least 50% extra, in line with Article 28 of the UAE Labour Law.
This ensures fair compensation for those supporting essential operations during holidays.
Bereavement leave
The law provides compassionate leave during times of personal loss:
- 5 days of paid leave for the death of a spouse
- 3 days of paid leave for the death of a parent, child, sibling, grandchild, grandparent or close relative
This support allows employees to attend to familial obligations without the added burden of wage loss.
Parental leave
Upon the birth of a child, either parent is entitled to five working days of paid leave. This leave can be taken consecutively or intermittently within six months of the child’s birth, offering flexibility for working parents balancing family and career.
Study leave
For employees pursuing academic qualifications at recognised educational institutions, the law allows 10 working days of paid study leave per year, provided the employee has completed at least two years of service. This supports skill development and contributes to the UAE’s goal of nurturing a knowledge-based workforce.
National service leave
UAE nationals called to mandatory national service are entitled to full paid leave for the duration of their service. Supporting documents must be submitted to the employer. This provision reflects the government’s support for national commitments while protecting employee income.
Private sector benefits
All core leave entitlements – including weekly rest, public holidays, and special leave types – apply to private sector employees. Additionally, employers may enhance these offerings depending on internal policies, making some private sector roles especially competitive in terms of benefits.