UAE Annual Leave Rules for Expats: What Nobody in HR Will Tell You
UAE Annual Leave Rules for Expats: What Nobody in HR Will Tell You
You are entitled to 30 calendar days of annual leave per year under UAE law. What you probably do not know is when you can take it, what happens if you do not, and how companies legally reduce your entitlement.
The Legal Entitlement
Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021, Article 29. Every employee who completes one year of service is entitled to 30 calendar days of paid annual leave. For employees with less than one year but more than six months, the entitlement is two days per month.
Leave salary must be paid before the leave starts. Not after. Before.
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Calendar Days vs Working Days
The law says 30 calendar days, not 30 working days. Calendar days include weekends. Your 30 days translates to approximately 22 working days.
Public holidays that fall within your leave period do not count against your annual leave.
Carrying Over Leave
The law does not require employers to allow carry-over. Many companies have a use-it-or-lose-it policy.
Your employer cannot force you to forfeit earned leave without giving you the opportunity to take it.
Leave Encashment on Departure
When you leave the company, you are entitled to cash payment for any unused leave balance. The daily rate is based on your basic salary divided by 30. Not your total package.
The Practices to Watch For
Mandatory leave during slow periods. Leave deductions for sick days without medical certificates. Negative leave balances deducted from final settlement.
Your leave is part of your compensation. Track it like you track your salary.
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