UAE Labour Law 2025: Employee Leave Entitlements Explained

The UAE Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) has outlined a robust framework for employee leave entitlements under Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021 on the Regulation of Labour Relations. This legislation, coupled with its Executive Regulations, aims to enhance working conditions and promote a healthy work-life balance for employees across the UAE. In this detailed guide, we explore the various leave entitlements, including weekly rest days, annual leave, bereavement leave, parental leave, and more, ensuring employees and employers understand their rights and obligations. This article is your go-to resource for navigating UAE labour laws in 2025, designed to provide clarity and boost workplace satisfaction.

Understanding Weekly Rest Days in the UAE

One of the cornerstones of the UAE Labour Law is the provision for a paid weekly rest day. Employees are entitled to at least one day off per week, as stipulated in their employment contract or company policies. This rest day is fully paid, ensuring workers have time to recharge without financial loss. The law also allows for the UAE Cabinet to increase the number of rest days through resolutions, offering flexibility to adapt to evolving workplace needs.

For private sector employees, the weekly rest day is a mandatory entitlement. Employers may enhance this benefit by offering additional rest days, depending on company policies or contractual agreements. This provision underscores the UAE’s commitment to fostering a supportive work environment, making it a key factor for professionals considering job opportunities in the region.

Why Weekly Rest Days Matter

Weekly rest days are more than just a break—they contribute to employee productivity, mental health, and overall job satisfaction. By ensuring at least one paid rest day, the UAE Labour Law aligns with global standards for employee welfare, making the UAE an attractive destination for talent. Keywords like UAE weekly rest days, employee rights UAE, and labour law benefits are critical for those researching workplace policies in the Middle East.

Annual Leave Entitlements: A Closer Look

The UAE Labour Law guarantees fully paid annual leave to ensure employees have sufficient time for rest and personal pursuits. Employees who have completed one year of service are entitled to a minimum of 30 calendar days of paid annual leave. For those with six months to one year of service, the law provides two days of leave per month, ensuring even newer employees benefit from time off.

Part-Time Employees and Annual Leave

For part-time employees, annual leave is calculated proportionately based on their actual hours worked. The law mandates a minimum of five working days of annual leave per year for part-time workers, ensuring fairness across different employment models. This provision is particularly relevant in the UAE’s dynamic job market, where flexible work arrangements are increasingly common.

Annual Leave During Probation

A notable feature of the UAE Labour Law is the flexibility it offers during the probation period. Employers may allow employees to use their annual leave balance during probation, provided it aligns with company policies. If an employee does not pass the probation period, they are entitled to compensation for unused leave, calculated based on their basic salary. This ensures employees are not disadvantaged during the initial stages of employment.

Scheduling and Carrying Forward Annual Leave

Annual leave is typically taken in the year it is accrued, but the law allows flexibility in scheduling. Employers can determine leave schedules based on business needs, often through mutual agreement or a rotation system. Employees must be notified at least one month in advance to ensure transparency and fairness. Additionally, employees can carry forward unused leave to the next year with employer approval, subject to company policies.

If an employee resigns or is terminated, they are entitled to payment for unused annual leave, calculated based on their basic salary and prorated for partial years of service. This provision ensures employees are fairly compensated for their earned leave, reinforcing the UAE’s commitment to employee rights.

Public Holidays and Annual Leave

When public holidays fall during an employee’s annual leave, they are generally counted as part of the leave period unless the employment contract or company policy specifies otherwise. This clarity helps employees plan their leave effectively, avoiding overlap with UAE public holidays.

Special Leave Entitlements for Life Events

Beyond weekly rest days and annual leave, the UAE Labour Law provides a range of special leave entitlements to support employees during significant life events. These provisions reflect the UAE’s progressive approach to workplace welfare and are designed to accommodate diverse employee needs.

Bereavement Leave

The law grants bereavement leave to help employees cope with the loss of loved ones. Employees are entitled to:

• 5 days of paid leave for the death of a spouse.
• 3 days of paid leave for the death of a parent, child, sibling, grandchild, grandparent, or other close relative.

This leave ensures employees have time to grieve and attend to family matters without financial strain. Keywords like UAE bereavement leave and employee support UAE are highly relevant for those researching compassionate workplace policies.

Parental Leave

New parents in the UAE benefit from parental leave, which allows 5 working days of paid leave for either parent upon the birth of a child. This leave can be taken consecutively or intermittently within six months of the child’s birth, offering flexibility to balance work and family responsibilities. This provision highlights the UAE’s commitment to supporting family-friendly workplaces, making it a key consideration for professionals relocating to the region.

Study Leave

Employees pursuing education at recognised educational institutions are eligible for 10 working days of paid study leave per year to attend exams, provided they have completed at least two years of service. This entitlement supports lifelong learning and career development, aligning with the UAE’s vision to foster a skilled and educated workforce.

National Service Leave

UAE nationals performing mandatory national service are entitled to full paid leave for the duration of their service, provided they submit supporting documents. This provision reflects the UAE’s commitment to supporting its citizens in fulfilling national obligations while maintaining financial stability.

Official Public Holidays

All employees are entitled to fully paid leave on official public holidays announced by the UAE Cabinet. These holidays are a key part of the UAE’s cultural and social fabric, and ensuring paid leave enhances employee satisfaction.

Working During Public Holidays: Employee Rights

In cases where employees are required to work on official public holidays, the UAE Labour Law ensures fair compensation. Employers must either:

• Provide a compensatory day off for each public holiday worked, or
• Pay the employee their basic wage plus an additional 50% for each day worked, as per Article 28 of the UAE Labour Law.

This provision ensures employees are fairly rewarded for working during holidays, balancing business needs with employee rights. Keywords like UAE holiday compensation and labour law compliance are critical for attracting readers researching workplace regulations.

Private Sector Leave Entitlements

Employees in the private sector enjoy the same core entitlements as those in other sectors, including at least one paid weekly rest day and paid public holidays. Employers in the private sector have the flexibility to offer additional rest days or enhanced leave benefits, depending on company policies. This flexibility makes the UAE’s private sector an attractive option for professionals seeking competitive workplace benefits.

Why UAE Labour Law Matters for Employees and Employers

The UAE’s labour laws are designed to create a balanced workplace that benefits both employees and employers. By providing clear guidelines on leave entitlements, the law ensures employees can maintain a healthy work-life balance while employers can plan operations effectively. The emphasis on paid leave, flexible scheduling, and compensation for unused leave reflects the UAE’s commitment to fostering a progressive work environment.

For employees, understanding these entitlements is crucial for advocating their rights and planning their careers. For employers, compliance with these regulations is essential to avoid penalties and maintain a positive workplace reputation.

Navigating UAE Leave Entitlements in 2025

The UAE’s Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021 sets a high standard for employee welfare, offering a comprehensive range of leave entitlements that cater to diverse needs. From weekly rest days to bereavement leave, parental leave, and study leave, the law ensures employees have the support they need to thrive both professionally and personally. Employers benefit from clear guidelines that promote fairness and transparency, fostering a productive work environment.

For professionals considering opportunities in the UAE, understanding these leave benefits is essential for making informed career decisions. For employers, compliance with these regulations is key to building a reputable workplace. Stay informed about UAE labour laws and leverage these entitlements to create a balanced and fulfilling work-life experience in 2025.