Guide to Leave Provisions in the UAE
Everyone in business agrees that their greatest asset is their workforce. Their productivity, creativity, and engagement increase as a result of being given time to rest and recover.
Additionally, when properly managed, it reduces operational costs and business disruption while enhancing employee wellbeing and mental health. Everyone benefits when there is time off from work, and many nations, including United Arab Emirates, have very clear laws that offer various leave provisions and entitlements.
Here we discuss the 8 leave entitlements to employees in the UAE.
1.Public Holidays
Employees are entitled to 10 days of leave through the year for religious and national events.
2. Annual Leave
Employees who have completed 6 months in an organisation can take 30 calendar days leave per year.
3. Sick Leave
Employees can take 90 days sick leave per year, where 15 days will be paid in full, 30 days with half pay and 45 unpaid days.
4. Maternity Leave
Female employees are entitled to 60 days leave which includes 45 days of paid leave and 15 days with half pay. Additional 45 days unpaid leave can also be taken in case of any illness due to pregnancy.
5. Parental Leave
This leave is applicable to the father and mother of the baby, where the employees are entitled to leave of five working days beginning on the day of their child’s birth up to 6 months.
6. Bereavement Leave
In the event of the death of the spouse, employees are entitled to a paid bereavement leave of five days, and in the event of the death of a parent, child, sibling, grandchild, or grandparent, three days.
7. Study Leave
Employees who have completed at least 2 years in an organisation are entitled to 10 days leave per year for their examination.
8. Sabbatical Leave
A year-long sabbatical is granted to UAE nationals in the government sector who seek to start their own business venture.
