How many days of bereavement leave does a UAE worker get?
Five paid days for the death of a husband or wife, and three paid days for the death of a mother, father, son, brother, sister, grandson, grandfather or grandmother. Article 32 of Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021 starts the leave from the date of death.
Points that cause disputes
The leave runs from the date of death, not from when the worker learns of it or returns home. The law lists the relatives exactly, so other family members are not covered by statute, although an employer can grant more in its own policy.
Bereavement leave is paid, so it is not deducted from annual leave and does not reduce the salary.
Other paid leave in the same article
Article 32 also provides five working days of parental leave, ten working days a year of study leave for workers with at least two years' service who sit exams, and paid leave for UAE nationals doing national service.
How SupaJack Construct records it
Bereavement can be added as its own leave type, so the days sit in the leave ledger with their dates and do not draw down annual leave. Payroll then pays them in full without a manual adjustment.
Related tools and guides
See the UAE labour law guide for contractors, the final settlement calculator, the gratuity calculator, the annual leave calculator, the unpaid leave deduction calculator, payroll and WPS in SupaJack Construct, time and attendance and the meaning of basic salary.
Worked example
A site supervisor's father dies on Sunday 12 October. The supervisor is entitled to three paid days, 12 to 14 October. If the supervisor needs more time, any extra days come from annual leave or unpaid leave, not from bereavement leave.
Questions people ask
Is bereavement leave paid?
Yes, at the normal wage.
Does it cover in-laws?
Not by statute. Article 32 lists the relatives that qualify.
When does it start?
From the date of death.