Annual Leave in Dubai: The UAE Laws Explained
Key takeaways
Annual leave (AL) is a special time when you can take a break from work while still receiving your salary, giving you a chance to rest, travel, or spend time with loved ones. Therefore, it is very important to plan all the details in advance. It should be with maximum comfort, pleasure, and new impressions from your vacation.
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Let’s dive into the details of annual leave in the UAE and how you can make the most of it!
Important Considerations about Annual Leaves in the UAE
AL in the UAE offers employees a well-deserved break to recharge, whether it’s for a holiday or to spend time with family. However, there are some key points to understand about the annual leave policy. You need to use your AL within the same year or the next — waiting too long means your employer can decide the dates for you, which might not fit your plans. Some people miss out on their preferred vacation dates because of this, so it’s best to plan ahead. Also, if a public holiday like Eid falls during your AL, those days are counted as part of your leave. If you leave your job with an unused annual leave balance, your employer will compensate you for those days, which is a nice way to ensure you’re covered. Knowing these rules helps you make the most of your AL.
New Labour Law Rules of Annual Leave UAE
The UAE introduced new labour law rules for Annual Leave under the Federal Decree Law No. 33 of 2021, effective from 2022 and continuing into 2025. This law updated the AL entitlement, increasing it to 30 days of paid AL for employees who have worked a full year, up from the previous 25 days. We think this extra time is fantastic for planning a longer, fully paid holiday period. If you don’t use your Annual Leave for two years, your employer can schedule it for you to ensure you take a break. Part-time employees also get AL, proportional to their hours — your contract will specify the details. These changes in the work law make annual leave in UAE more flexible, helping employees balance work and rest.
Types of Leave in UAE
Beyond AL, the UAE offers various types of employee leave to support workers during different life events. We’ve put together a list of the main types, as they can help you plan your time off alongside your annual leave in UAE.
- Sick Leave: If you’re unwell, you can take up to 90 days off. The first 15 days are fully paid, the next 30 days are at half pay, and the last 45 days are unpaid.
- Maternity Leave: New mothers get 60-45 days at full pay and 15 days at half pay. Additional leave is available if the baby is unwell.
- Parental Leave: New parents (moms and dads) get 5 days of fully paid leave, which can be taken within 6 months of the baby’s birth.
- Hajj Leave: Employees can take 30 days unpaid leave for Hajj, available once during their employment.
These leave types, combined with AL, give you options to rest or handle personal matters. Plan your vacation in advance to take into account all the details. And Trinity Boutique helps you find and book the perfect car for your dates.
Minimum Annual Leave in UAE Entitlement
The UAE labour law outlines the minimum annual leave entitlement for employees. If you’ve worked for a full year, you’re entitled to 30 days of paid AL—a whole month to enjoy a vacation approval period. For those who’ve worked at least 6 months but less than a year, you get 2 days per month, totaling 12 days. Part-time workers receive annual leave in the UAE proportional to their hours, as specified in their employment contract. Some employers offer more — up to 36 days after 4 years — but the minimum is 30 days for full-time employees.
How to Apply for Annual Leaves
Let's go through the steps of applying for annual leave in the UAE — it's a simple process if you plan ahead. Here's how to apply for annual leave:
Step 1: Check Your Available Days
First, find out how many AL days you have. If you’ve worked a full year, it’s 30 days. Your employer can confirm your entitlement if you’re unsure.
Step 2: Decide on Your Leave Dates
Think about when you’d like to take your break. Maybe you want to travel, visit family, or just relax at home. Pick dates that work best for you.
Step 3: Notify Your Employer Early
Let your employer know at least 1 month in advance. You can speak to them directly or submit a written request, depending on your company’s AL policy.
Step 4: Await Approval
Your employer will review your request and let you know if it’s approved. They might suggest different dates if your chosen time doesn’t work for the business.
Step 5: Enjoy Your Leave
Once approved, you can take your AL with full pay. It’s the perfect time to rest, travel, or spend time with loved ones.
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FAQ
How Many Days of AL Am I Entitled to in the UAE?
You’re entitled to 30 days of annual leave in the UAE if you’ve worked a full year. If you’ve worked 6 months, you get 12 days (2 days per month).
Can My Employer Refuse My Annual Leave Request?
Yes, your employer can refuse your AL request if they need you at work, but they must notify you early and offer alternative dates for your leave.
What Happens If I Don’t Use My AL?
If you don’t use your AL for 2 years, your employer can schedule it for you or compensate you for the unused days upon termination. We hope these answers clarify the AL rules in the UAE for you.