Annual Leave Rules in United Arab Emirates

Legal requirements in United Arab Emirates for holidays and paid annual leave.

In the United Arab Emirates, most employees are entitled to a minimum of 30 calendar days of paid annual leave after completing one year of continuous service with their employer. This entitlement is outlined in Article 81 of the UAE Labour Law (Federal Law No. 8 of 1980). Employees are encouraged to take their annual leave, and it is the employer's responsibility to ensure that employees are aware of their rights regarding leave. If an employee does not take their leave within the year, they may lose their entitlement unless otherwise agreed upon with the employer.

Additionally, employees are entitled to paid leave for public holidays, sick leave, and maternity leave, which are also governed by the UAE Labour Law. It is important for both employers and employees to understand the specific provisions and conditions related to annual leave, including the process for requesting leave and any potential impact on end-of-service benefits. For more detailed information, you can refer to the official UAE Government portal on labour laws at MOHRE.

The information here is guidance and should not be taken as specific legal advice. You should always validate your own situation with an authorised practitioner in United Arab Emirates.

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