In the United Arab Emirates, private sector employees enjoy comprehensive annual leave benefits as per the 'Executive Regulations of the Labour Law' and the UAE Government website u.ae. Workers who have completed at least one year of service in a company are legally entitled to a generous 30 days of paid vacation per year. However, what sets UAE apart is its unique provision that grants all employees, even those who haven't completed one year, two paid vacation days per month after working for six months with the company.
This progressive policy ensures that employees have ample time for personal and family commitments, contributing to a healthy work-life balance.
Part-time workers also have rights to annual leave, which is calculated based on their actual working hours throughout the year, as specified in their employment contract.
While employers have the discretion to schedule the annual leave dates, they are required to provide workers with at least one month's notice before the official start date of the leave, considering business needs and employee availability.
Additionally, employees are entitled to their yearly leave benefits even if their employment is terminated before the end of the year, ensuring their rights are protected regardless of their tenure.
Moreover, UAE employers offer the option for employees to carry over unused annual leave from one year to the next with the consent of their supervisor and adherence to company policies. However, the time spent working during annual leave is compensated with a portion of the base salary withheld.
The UAE government emphasizes the importance of timely annual leave and ensures that employers can only postpone an employee's vacation for a maximum of two years. Upon separation from service, accrued vacation time is paid out at a rate equivalent to one month's wage.
The annual leave duration includes public holidays stipulated by law or agreement and any additional sick leave taken within the annual leave period unless otherwise stated in the employment contract or company regulations.
With this robust annual leave policy, the UAE reaffirms its commitment to prioritize employee well-being and foster a supportive work environment for private sector workers.
