United Arab Emirates
The UAE applies the new Labour Law (Federal Decree-Law 33/2021): 30 calendar days of annual leave after 1 year (2 days/month between 6 months and 1 year). Maternity 45 days, 30 at 100%, 15 at 50%. No income tax.
Annual paid leave
FDL 33/2021 art. 29 · 30 daysFederal Decree-Law 33/2021 art. 29: 30 calendar days per year after 1 full year. Between 6 months and 1 year: 2 days per month. End of service gratuity = 21 days/year (first 5 yrs) then 30 days/year.
| Type | Duration | Pay | Conditions |
|---|---|---|---|
| After 1 year | 30 j calendaires | 100% | FDL art. 29 |
| 6 mos – 1 yr | 2 j/mois | 100% | Pro-rata |
| End of service | 21-30 j/an | 100% | Gratuity |
Public holidays
13 holidays13 holidays (Eid al-Fitr 3 days, Eid al-Adha 4 days, Hijri New Year, Prophet’s Birthday, National Day 2 days, Commemoration Day, New Year).
| Day | Date | Status | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 1 | New Year | All | — |
| Variable | Eid al-Fitr (3 j) | All | Lunar |
| Variable | Arafah Day | All | Lunar |
| Variable | Eid al-Adha (3 j) | All | Lunar |
| Variable | Hijri New Year | All | Lunar |
| Variable | Prophet’s Birthday | All | Lunar |
| Dec 1 | Commemoration Day | All | — |
| Dec 2 | National Day | All | — |
| Dec 3 | National Day | All | — |
Sick leave
15/30/45 (90 days max)Sick leave: 15 days at 100% + 30 days at 50% + 45 days unpaid (total 90 days max/year). MC required for > 2 days.
| Scenario | Waiting | Pay | Cap |
|---|---|---|---|
| Days 1-15 | 0 j | 100% | FDL 33/2021 |
| Days 16-45 | — | 50% | — |
| Days 46-90 | — | Unpaid | — |
Maternity, paternity, parental
60 days mat · 5 days patMaternity 60 days: 45 at 100% + 15 at 50%. Paternity 5 days (since FDL 33/2021). Parental leave 5 days in first 6 months.
| Type | Duration | Pay | Conditions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maternity | 60 j (45+15) | 100% then 50% | FDL art. 30 |
| Paternity | 5 j | 100% | Depuis 2022 |
| Parental | 5 j | 100% | 6 first months |
Special leaves
FDL 33/2021Bereavement leave 5 days (spouse), 3 days (parent, grandparent, child, sibling). Study leave 10 paid days/year.
| Type | Duration | Pay | Conditions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bereavement (spouse) | 5 j | 100% | — |
| Bereavement (other) | 3 j | 100% | — |
| Study leave | 10 j/an | 100% | Si UAE national |
| Hajj | 30 j | Unpaid | Une fois carrière |
Information current as of last update. This guide does not replace local legal advice. For specific situations, consult a labor lawyer in the relevant country.
Centralize UAE absence management
Illizeo applies FDL 33/2021 + MOHRE with 30-day leave, 60-day maternity, 5-day paternity, gratuity, and 13 lunar holidays.
Book a meeting← Back to the guide
