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.
Disclaimer: This country guide is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. While we update it regularly, it may not reflect ongoing regulatory changes. Illizeo SA accepts no liability for actions taken or not taken based on this content.
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.
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