How Many Days Annual Leave Are You Entitled to Under UAE Labour Law?

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

Under UAE Labour Law, employees are entitled to 30 days of fully paid annual leave after completing one year of continuous service. Workers with six months to one year of service receive 2 days of paid leave per month. The Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021 guarantees these entitlements for all private sector employees.Understanding Your Annual Leave Rights in UAEAnnual leave represents one of your

fundamental rights as an employee in the UAE. The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) strictly enforces these provisions to protect worker welfare and promote healthy work-life balance.Every private sector worker, regardless of nationality, enjoys equal access to annual leave benefits under the current labour legislation. This standardised approach creates consistency across all

industries and company sizes throughout the UAE.Who Qualifies for Annual Leave in UAE?Service Period RequirementsYour annual leave eligibility depends on your continuous service duration:Six Months to One Year: 2 paid days per month worked One Year and Above: 30 paid days per calendar yearPart-Time Employee EntitlementsPart-time workers receive proportional annual leave based on their actual working

hours. The calculation follows this method:Convert total working hours to equivalent working daysDivide by standard working days per yearMultiply by the legal annual leave entitlementFor example, if you work 20 hours weekly (half of full-time), you receive 15 days annual leave instead of 30.When Can You Take Your Annual Leave?Timing and Scheduling RulesEmployers determine annual leave dates based

on operational requirements, but must provide one month's advance notice. You cannot demand leave at any specific time, though employers should accommodate reasonable requests.The law permits employers to divide your annual leave into two separate periods if business needs require this arrangement. However, both periods must be mutually agreed upon.Mandatory Leave UsageCompanies cannot employ workers

continuously for more than two years without granting annual leave. This provision prevents employers from indefinitely postponing leave requests.How Is Annual Leave Calculated in Different Scenarios?Example 1: First-Year EmployeeSituation: 8 months of service Calculation: 8 months × 2 days = 16 days annual leave Entitlement: 16 paid days offExample 2: Long-Term EmployeeSituation: 3 years of continuous

service Annual Entitlement: 30 paid days per year Total Available: 30 days (refreshed annually)Payment During Annual LeaveSalary Components IncludedDuring annual leave, you receive your full basic salary plus any housing allowance specified in your employment contract. Other allowances like transportation or food allowances are typically excluded unless contractually stated.Pre-Leave PaymentEmployers

must pay your full wages before your annual leave begins. This advance payment allows you to enjoy your time off without financial worries.Carrying Forward Annual LeaveAnnual Leave R...

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).