What Is the UAE Sick Leave Policy and How Many Days Are You Entitled To?

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 sick leave policy entitles employees 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 first 15 days are fully paid, the next 30 days at half pay, and the remaining 45 days are unpaid. You must notify your employer within 3 days and provide a medical certificate.Understanding Your Sick Leave Rights in UAESick leave

protection represents a fundamental right for all private sector employees in the UAE. The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) enforces these provisions to protect workers during illness while maintaining fair employment practices.The UAE Labour Law recognises that illness can affect any worker regardless of nationality, job level, or industry. This comprehensive sick leave policy

applies equally to all private sector employees, creating consistent protection across the entire workforce.Who Qualifies for Paid Sick Leave in UAE?Service Requirements for Sick LeaveYour sick leave eligibility depends on completing specific service milestones:Probation Period: No paid sick leave entitlement (unpaid leave at employer discretion) Post-Probation: Full 90-day annual sick leave allocation

Minimum Service: Must complete probationary period (typically 3-6 months)Employee Categories CoveredThe sick leave policy covers all private sector workers including:Full-time permanent employeesPart-time workers (proportional calculation)Limited and unlimited contract holdersUAE nationals and expatriate workersHow Does the 90-Day Sick Leave Structure Work?Payment Schedule BreakdownYour 90-day sick

leave allocation follows this payment structure: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 LeaveYou 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 days.For example, if you take 5 days in January and 10 days in March, you've used 15 fully-paid days, meaning your next sick leave starts at half pay.Notification Requirements for Sick LeaveThree-Day Reporting RuleArticle 31 mandates that you must inform your employer within 3 days of falling ill. Late notification can result in denial of sick leave benefits, regardless of your medical

condition's severity.Medical Certificate RequirementsYou must provide a medical report from an authorised medical entity in your emirate. The certificate must include:Diagnosis and condition detailsRecommended rest period durationDoctor's official stamp and signatureDate of medical examinationElectronic Attestation ProcessFor sick leave periods of 5 days or less, medical certificates can be attested

electronically without requiring medical committee accreditation. Longer periods may require additional verification.When Are You Not Eligible for Paid Sick Leave?Disqualifying Circ...

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).