Initiative supports Emirati federal employees in launching private ventures
Abu Dhabi: The Federal Authority for Government Human Resources (FAHR) has announced three key conditions that federal government employees must meet in order to obtain a sabbatical leave for self-employment.
According to FAHR, the leave is subject to approval from the employee’s respective federal entity.
Eligibility criteria
FAHR has outlined the following conditions for sabbatical leave approval:
1. The employee must have received a performance evaluation of at least level 2 (or its equivalent) from their employing entity.
2. The employee must have completed a minimum of five years of service in a federal or local government role.
3. The employee must have completed national service or provide official proof of exemption or deferral.
National civil servants
This leave is designed to allow Emirati employees working in the federal government to establish, manage, or oversee their own private ventures. FAHR confirmed that all UAE national civil servants employed by federal entities are eligible to apply, with the exception of employees of government-owned companies, those on temporary contracts, and part-time staff.
Service benefits
Employees approved for sabbatical leave will receive 50 per cent of their total monthly salary, excluding job-related allowances and bonuses. Pension contributions will continue during the leave, and the sabbatical period will be included in the employee’s total years of service.
Those managing online businesses are eligible to apply, provided they obtain the relevant licences to operate. FAHR further stated that employees involved in small or start-up projects may also apply, as long as the business is either fully licensed or in the process of being registered.
In cases where there is a high number of applicants within one entity, the employer must prioritise candidates who most closely meet the eligibility criteria.
3 terms and conditions
To qualify for sabbatical leave for self-employment, employees must:
• Use the leave to establish a new business, manage an existing project, or become a partner in launching a commercial enterprise.
• Obtain formal approval from their employing federal entity, based on conditions set by the employer.
• Secure all required licences for the business activity from the relevant UAE authorities.
Objectives
Around two years ago, FAHR launched the third phase of the “Sabbatical for Self-Employment” initiative for Emirati federal government employees. This pioneering initiative introduced as part of the UAE’s “Projects of the 50” on the anniversary of the nation’s founding is the first of its kind globally. It aims to empower Emiratis working in the public sector to transition into entrepreneurship and support national economic growth.
The nomination process for sabbatical leave opened in early February 2025. Applicants were required to submit their requests during the first week of the month. Federal entities then reviewed applications and submitted candidate lists to FAHR by the end of the second week. An independent technical committee reviewed the nominations and conducted interviews, after which the final list of approved candidates was announced.
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