How Many Days of Sick Leave Are You Entitled to in UAE?

Key Takeaways

• UAE employees are entitled to 30 days paid annual leave after one year of service
• During probation, employees accrue 2 days leave per month worked
• Unused annual leave can be carried forward or compensated upon termination

UAE employees are entitled to 90 days of sick leave per year after completing their probation period. Under Article 31 of Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021, the payment structure is: 15 days at full pay, 30 days at half pay, and 45 days unpaid. You must notify your employer within 3 days and provide a medical certificate from an authorised healthcare provider.Understanding UAE Sick Leave FrameworkThe

UAE Labour Law provides comprehensive sick leave protection for all private sector employees, ensuring workers can recover from illness without losing their jobs. The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) enforces these provisions to maintain fair workplace standards.Sick leave operates separately from annual leave, providing additional protection when health issues arise. This comprehensive

system supports employee wellbeing whilst maintaining business operational requirements.Sick Leave Eligibility RequirementsService Period PrerequisitesProbation Period: No paid sick leave entitlement (unpaid leave at employer discretion) Post-Probation: Full 90-day sick leave allocation Minimum Service: Must complete probationary period (typically 3-6 months) Continuous Service: Applicable to all

permanent employeesEmployee Categories CoveredThe sick leave policy applies to all private sector workers including:Full-time permanent employeesPart-time workers (proportional entitlements)Limited and unlimited contract holdersUAE nationals and expatriate workersTemporary and flexible workersUAE Sick Leave Entitlement Structure90-Day Annual AllocationYour sick leave follows this structured payment

system:Days 1-15: Full salary payment (100% of basic wage) Days 16-45: Half salary payment (50% of basic wage) Days 46-90: Unpaid leave (no salary payment)Continuous vs Intermittent UsageYou can take sick leave either continuously (all days together) or intermittently (spread throughout the year). The payment structure applies cumulatively regardless of how you use the allocation.For example: Using

10 days in March and 5 days in June means you've consumed 15 fully-paid days, so your next sick leave starts at half pay.Notification and Documentation RequirementsThree-Day Reporting RuleMandatory Notification: Must inform employer within 3 days of falling ill Communication Methods: Phone call, email, or in-person notification Consequences of Delay: Late notification may result in sick leave denial

Emergency Exceptions: Serious conditions may have flexible reporting timeframesMedical Certificate RequirementsYou must obtain certification from authorised medical providers:Licensed Healthcare Facilities: Government-approved medical centres Qualified Doctors: Medical practitioners registered with UAE health authorities Medical Report Contents: Diagnosis, condition details, recommended rest period

Certificate Validity: Must include official stamps and signaturesElectronic Attestation ProcessFor sick leave periods of 5 days or less, medical certificates can be processed e...

About This Article

This article provides general information about UAE labour law and employment regulations. The information is based on Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021 and subsequent amendments. For specific legal advice regarding your situation, please consult with a qualified legal professional or contact the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE).