What is the allocated number of annual leave days for workers in UAE?

Article 29 of Federal Decree-Law No. (33) of 2021 stipulates that every employee is entitled to a fully paid annual leave of 30 days upon completion of one year of service. However, those with six months of service are eligible for two days of leave each month. In the event of termination before utilizing accrued leave, the employee is entitled to a proportionate leave balance based on the final year of service.

Notification: Employers are mandated by law to notify workers of their leave at least one month in advance to facilitate effective planning of time off.

Flexibility: With employer approval, unused leave days can be carried over to the following year. Article 29 also provides the option to receive a cash payment if annual leave accumulates for more than two years, offering flexibility for both employees and employers.

Note: Part-time workers are also entitled to annual leave, the duration of which is determined by the employment contract and time spent working.

Types of Leaves in the UAE:

The UAE’s labor laws encompass various leave categories catering to specific life events:

1. Sabbatical Leave: Purpose: Article 32 of Federal Decree-Law No. (33) grants Emirati workers paid sabbatical leave for national service, lasting between 11 months and three years. Proof from relevant authorities is required.
2. Study Leave: Entitlement: Workers with at least two years of service, as per Article 32, can take ten working days annually for exams at approved educational institutions in the UAE.
3. Compassionate Leave: Entitlement: Article 32 grants workers compassionate leave in the event of a family member’s death, ranging from five days for a spouse to three days for a child, sibling, parent, or grandparent.
4. Hajj and Umrah Leave: Entitlement: Private sector employees can take up to 30 days of unpaid leave for Hajj, as mandated by UAE law. Umrah leave is not provided, requiring arrangements through annual leave or unpaid time off.
5. Maternity Leave: Entitlement: Article 30 grants female workers a 60-day maternity leave, with 45 days at full pay and 15 days at half pay. Additional leave is available for childbirth complications or a sick or disabled child.
6. Parental Leave: Entitlement: Article 32 provides parents of newborns with a 5-day fully paid leave within six months of the child’s birth.
7. Official National Holidays: Compensation: Article 28 grants paid days off on designated national holidays, with compensation provided if employees work on these days.
8. Sick Leave: Conditions: Article 31 permits up to 90 days of sick leave annually, with varying payment structures.

How to Apply for Annual Leaves:

To initiate the leave approval process, consider the following steps for an effective email application:

1. Begin with a clear subject line for easy understanding.
2. Open with a courteous and professional introduction, expressing gratitude.
3. Provide essential details, including leave duration, start and end dates, and the reason.
4. Acknowledge the impact of your absence and express commitment to minimize disruption.
5. Include accurate contact information, signaling accessibility during the leave.
6. Offer to delegate tasks to ensure a smooth workflow.
7. Ensure proper documentation to follow company procedures.
8. Encourage open communication for any concerns or questions.
9. Conclude the email with gratitude for consideration.