How many annual leave days do UAE employees get?
Under Article 29 of Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021, a private-sector worker is entitled to at least 30 days of paid annual leave for each year of service. A worker with more than six months but less than a year of service is entitled to two days for each month. These are minimums a contract may improve.
How leave builds up
| Service | Minimum paid leave |
|---|---|
| Under 6 months | Not yet entitled |
| 6 to 12 months | 2 days a month |
| Each year after | 30 days |
| Last part-year on leaving | In proportion to time worked |
Rules around taking it
The employer sets dates according to work needs, in agreement with the worker, with at least a month's notice. Leave can be carried forward with the employer's approval. A public holiday that falls during annual leave counts as part of the leave unless the contract is more generous.
Related tools and guides
See the labour law guide, the gratuity calculator, the overtime calculator, the annual leave calculator, the final settlement calculator and the meaning of basic salary.
Worked example
A worker joined 18 months ago and is on a contract that gives only the legal minimum. They have earned 30 days for the first year and 15 days for the six months since, 45 days in all. Having taken 20 days, they have 25 days left to take or, if they leave, to be paid for on their basic wage.
Questions people ask
Does annual leave start immediately?
Entitlement begins after six months of service.
Is unused leave paid when I leave?
Yes, calculated on the basic wage.
Can my employer give more than 30 days?
Yes, the law sets minimums.