UAE Annual Leave Rules is a statutory right governed by Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021. Whether you’re a new employee or a seasoned expat, understanding exactly how leave accrues, when you can take it, and what happens to unused days protects your rights and your money.
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Annual Leave Entitlement Under UAE Law
| Service Period | Leave Entitlement |
|---|---|
| Less than 6 months | No paid annual leave |
| 6 months to 1 year | Pro-rata (2 days/month) |
| 1 year or more | 30 calendar days/year |
📋 Official source: UAE Government Portal – Annual Leave
Key Rules Every Employee Should Know
- 30 calendar days means all days including weekends and public holidays within the leave period
- Leave must be taken within the year it accrues, unless your employer agrees to carry it over
- Unused leave at end of employment must be paid as leave encashment — it cannot be forfeited
- Employers can determine when leave is taken, but must give reasonable notice
- At least 2 consecutive weeks of leave per year is recommended under Article 24
Public Holidays in UAE
Public holidays are separate from annual leave. If a public holiday falls during your annual leave, it extends your leave by that number of days — unless your employer has a specific policy otherwise.
📋 Official source: UAE Government Portal – Public Holidays
Can Your Employer Refuse Annual Leave?
An employer can postpone annual leave for business reasons but cannot deny it indefinitely. If your employer has postponed your leave and your employment ends, all accrued unpaid leave must be encashed.
FAQs
Does annual leave include weekends?
Yes. The 30-day entitlement is in calendar days, not working days, so weekends are included.
Can I carry unused leave to next year?
With employer approval, yes. Without it, the leave technically lapses — but must still be paid as encashment upon termination.
Have unused leave days? Calculate your encashment using our free UAE Leave Encashment Calculator.