MoHRE Updates Leave And Holiday Entitlements in UAE: What Employees Should Know
MoHRE Updates Leave And Holiday Entitlements in UAE: What Employees Should Know. Are you employed in the UAE and unsure about your leave rights under the latest MoHRE policies? Whether you’re working full-time or part-time, understanding your UAE leave entitlements can help you better plan your work-life balance and safeguard your employment rights.
In this comprehensive guide, we break down everything you need to know about annual leave, weekly rest days, official public holidays, bereavement leave, parental leave, and more. These updates are based on Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021, along with the latest executive regulations issued by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratization (MoHRE).
Annual Leave and Weekly Rest Days
One of the fundamental entitlements of employees under the UAE Labour Law is paid time off. The latest MoHRE guidelines ensure that both full-time and part-time workers are fairly treated when it comes to weekly rest and annual leave.
Weekly Rest Day
All employees in the UAE are entitled to:
- A minimum one paid weekly rest day, typically specified in the employment contract or company policy.
- Employers have the discretion to provide additional rest days based on business needs or internal policies.
- The weekly rest day can be changed with a Cabinet resolution, allowing flexibility for special sectors or situations.
Annual Leave for Full-Time Workers
According to MoHRE, full-time employees are granted:
| Service Duration | Annual Leave Entitlement |
|---|---|
| After 1 year of service | 30 calendar days (fully paid) |
| Between 6 months to 1 year | 2 days leave per month of service |
Note: Annual leave should be taken in the year it is earned. Employers must give at least one month’s notice before scheduling leave.
Annual Leave for Part-Time Employees
Part-time employees are also eligible for annual leave, but it’s calculated proportionally to the hours worked compared to full-time counterparts.
| Employee Type | Minimum Annual Leave |
|---|---|
| Part-time staff | 5 working days per calendar year (pro-rata) |
Probation Period Leave Policies
The new guidelines from MoHRE allow employees to take annual leave during probation, provided it comes from their accumulated leave balance.
- If an employee fails to pass the probation period, any unused leave must be compensated.
- This ensures fair treatment even for new joiners during their trial period.
Leave Scheduling and Carry Forward Rules
Employers are given the right to schedule annual leave based on operational needs, provided they:
- Mutually agree on the schedule with the employee, or
- Use a rotation system fairly applied across teams.
- Must inform employees at least 30 days in advance.
Carrying Forward Leave
- Employees may carry forward unused leave to the following year with employer approval.
- Leave carried forward is subject to the company’s internal policy.
- If an employee resigns or is terminated, any unused leave must be paid in full, calculated on their basic salary.
Public Holidays in the UAE
Employees in the UAE are entitled to full paid leave on official public holidays, as announced by the UAE Cabinet each year.
Here is a table of commonly observed UAE official public holidays:
| Public Holiday | Typical Date Range |
|---|---|
| New Year’s Day | January 1 |
| Eid Al Fitr | Varies (based on lunar) |
| Arafat Day & Eid Al Adha | Varies (based on lunar) |
| Islamic New Year | Varies |
| Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday | Varies |
| Commemoration Day | December 1 |
| UAE National Day | December 2–3 |
Employees required to work on official public holidays are entitled to compensation, either in the form of a substitute rest day or extra pay.
Compensation for Working on Public Holidays
Per Article 28 of the UAE Labour Law, employers who require staff to work on public holidays must provide either:
- A compensatory day off, OR
- Pay for that day plus 50% of the basic wage.
This rule ensures employees are fairly compensated for sacrificing their public holiday rest.
Bereavement Leave
MoHRE has clarified the number of bereavement leave days depending on the relationship with the deceased.
| Relationship to Deceased | Leave Entitlement |
|---|---|
| Spouse | 5 paid days |
| Parent, Child, Sibling, etc. | 3 paid days |
Bereavement leave provides employees emotional space to deal with personal loss without fear of losing income or facing penalties.
Parental Leave in the UAE
Both mothers and fathers are now legally entitled to 5 working days of paid parental leave under the MoHRE guidelines.
- Leave must be used within six months from the child’s birth.
- Can be taken intermittently or consecutively.
- This is applicable across both public and private sector jobs.
Study Leave
Education is prioritized by the UAE government, and employees committed to their academic advancement can benefit from study leave.
| Study Leave Conditions | Description |
|---|---|
| Duration | 10 paid working days per year |
| Eligibility | Must have completed 2 years of service |
| Requirement | Enrollment in a recognized educational institution for official exams |
National Service Leave for Emiratis
UAE nationals performing mandatory national military or civil service are granted:
- Fully paid leave, based on official documentation.
- Employees must submit proof of service from the relevant authorities.
This reflects the UAE’s commitment to national duty while protecting the employment rights of its citizens.
Employer Obligations Under MoHRE Law
The MoHRE leave entitlements in the UAE are legally binding. Employers are obligated to:
- Respect leave balances and provide accurate tracking.
- Compensate fairly for unused leave or public holiday work.
- Offer clear documentation regarding all types of leave.
- Ensure compliance with executive regulations and labour law provisions.
Employers who fail to comply may face legal consequences, labour court claims, or penalties by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratization (MoHRE).
MoHRE Leave Entitlements in UAE
| Type of Leave | Entitlement Details |
|---|---|
| Annual Leave | 30 days after 1 year, 2 days/month for 6–12 months |
| Part-time Leave | Pro-rata basis (min. 5 working days/year) |
| Public Holidays | Full paid leave; extra pay or day off if working |
| Bereavement Leave | 3–5 paid days depending on relationship |
| Parental Leave | 5 working days for either parent (within 6 months of birth) |
| Study Leave | 10 paid working days/year (after 2 years of service) |
| National Service | Fully paid leave with proof |
| Weekly Rest Day | At least 1 paid rest day per week |
FAQs About MoHRE Updates Leave And Holiday Entitlements in UAE
Can part-time employees in the UAE get annual leave?
Yes, part-time employees are entitled to annual leave on a pro-rata basis depending on the number of hours worked compared to full-time employees. The minimum is five working days per year.
How is annual leave calculated if I resign before completing a full year?
If you’ve worked more than 6 months but less than 1 year, you are entitled to 2 days of leave per month of service. Upon resignation, unused leave must be paid out based on your basic salary.
What if my employer asks me to work during a public holiday?
If you work on an official public holiday, your employer must give you either:
- A compensatory day off, or
- Your basic salary for the day plus 50% extra pay.
This is in accordance with Article 28 of the UAE Labour Law.
Conclusion
With the UAE continued drive to foster a balanced work environment, the MoHRE leave entitlements set the tone for both employee welfare and operational transparency. Whether you’re working part-time, full-time, or in a specialized role, understanding your rights under the updated labour laws ensures you’re empowered, protected, and productive.
