When planning staff leave or verifying entitlements, understanding annual leave working days in UAE is fundamental. This guide walks you through precise calculations, statutory leave rights, and annual leave payment requirements under UAE law. With clear explanation and actionable insights, it aims to support employers in compliance and employees in securing their legal rights.
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Table of Contents
How Many Working Days Leave in The UAE?
Federal Decree‑Law No. 33 of 2021 grants full‑time employees 30 calendar days of annual leave after completing one full year of service. During the first year, vacation is calculated at two days for each month if the employee’s service period exceeds six months and is less than one year (see Article 29, decree‑law 33/2021). IPR and clarifications are available via the UAE government’s official legal portal.
Though the law refers to calendar days, most employers convert this into annual leave working days in UAE based on standard working weeks. In jurisdictions where weekends are Friday‑Saturday, 30 calendar days equate to approximately 22 working days. Alternate working-week structures (e.g., Saturday‑Sunday weekends) may yield 21–22 working days.
Some companies factor in public holidays: if leave includes a public holiday, it usually isn’t deducted from the leave balance — thus slightly increasing effective rest days.
How to count annual leave working days in UAE?
Counting leave days properly avoids legal disputes and ensures employees receive their correct time off. This section provides a step-by-step breakdown for converting calendar days into actual working days, accounting for different weekend structures and holidays.
1. Vacation Duration
The employee is entitled to 30 days of paid annual leave for each full year of service.
2. Vacation Calculation for Less than a Year
If the employee’s service period exceeds six months and is less than a year, he or she is entitled to two days of leave for each month of service.
3.Vacation Date
The date of annual leave is determined in coordination between the employee and the employer, taking into account the interests of the business.
4. Vacation Postponement
Annual leave may be postponed with the consent of both parties, but it may not be waived in exchange for financial compensation during service.
5. Vacation Allowance
If an employee is unable to use their annual leave before the end of their contract, they are entitled to a cash allowance for these days.
6. Vacation Interruption
Vacation days stipulated by law or agreement are included in the calculation of annual leave if they fall within the employee’s annual leave, and are considered part of it, unless the employment contract stipulates otherwise.
Annual Leave Payment: Legal Obligations
Many disputes between employers and employees arise from unclear or delayed leave payments. Below we outline what’s included in annual leave payment, when it should be made, and what the law requires if employees work during their approved leave.
- Employers must pay leave salary in full before leave begins, including all contractual allowances.
- Working on leave entitles the employee to premium rates (1.25× or 1.5×) depending on circumstances.
- Leave salary must be reflected in final settlement if the employee resigns or is dismissed.
Ensure employment contracts clearly document allowances and payment terms in compliance with federal standards.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
By thoroughly understanding annual leave working days in UAE, both employers and employees can secure proper leave planning and ensure fair annual leave payment. This clarity avoids disputes, supports payroll accuracy, and aligns HR practices with UAE legal standards. If you’re facing leave-related issues or require a legal review of employment terms, we’re here to help. Reach out for a consultation via WhatsApp.
Looking to ensure compliance with leave regulations and accurate leave entitlement calculation? Contact our employment lawyers in Dubai the WhatsApp button now to get professional legal assistance.
A legal consultant specializing in UAE labor law. He regularly publishes articles on the website and writes on various areas of UAE law, with a specific focus on labor law.
