MoHRE updates leave and holiday entitlements in UAE: What employees need to know

The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratization (MoHRE) clarified that Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021 on the Regulation of Labour Relations, along with its Executive Regulations, defines various leave entitlements aimed at improving working conditions.

Weekly rest days and annual leave explained

Employees are entitled to a paid weekly rest day of no less than one day, as specified in their employment contract or company policies. This may be increased by a Cabinet resolution.

The law also grants fully paid annual leave of at least 30 days per year of completed service. Employees who have worked more than six months but less than one year are entitled to two days of leave per month of service.

Part-time employees receive annual leave proportionate to their actual hours worked, with a minimum of five working days per year.

Annual leave during probation and scheduling

Employers may allow employees to take annual leave during the probation period from their leave balance, while ensuring compensation for any unused leave if the probation is not passed.

Annual leave should ideally be taken in the year it is due. Employers may schedule leave based on business needs, by mutual agreement or rotation, but must notify employees at least one month in advance.

Carrying forward and payment for unused leave

Employees may carry forward annual leave with employer approval, subject to company policy. Public holidays during annual leave count as part of the leave unless better terms are offered in contracts or policies.

Unused leave must be paid out upon resignation or termination, based on the basic salary and prorated for partial service.

Other legally entitled leaves

MoHRE confirmed paid leave entitlements for:

Bereavement leave:

• 5 days for the death of a spouse

• 3 days for death of parent, child, sibling, grandchild, grandparent, or close relative

Parental leave:

• 5 working days for either parent upon the birth of a child, taken consecutively or intermittently within six months

Study leave:

• 10 working days per year for employees attending recognised educational institutions for exams (minimum 2 years of service)

National service leave:

• Full paid leave for UAE nationals performing mandatory national service with supporting documents

Official public holidays:

• Full paid leave on UAE Cabinet-announced holidays

Private sector leave entitlements

Employees in the private sector are entitled to at least one paid weekly rest day as per contract or company policy. Employers may offer additional rest days. Paid leave on official public holidays is also mandatory.

Working during official holidays

If employees work on official holidays, employers must either:

• Provide a compensatory day off for each day worked, OR

• Pay the employee for that day plus at least 50% extra of their basic wage, per Article 28 of UAE Labour Law.