Annual leave
- 30 days per year of service.
- Two days per month if service is more than 6 months and less than a year.
- Part-time workers: leave is based on actual working hours.
- Carry-over: the balance can be carried to the next year with the employer's approval.
- On leaving: the worker is paid for accrued leave days not taken.
Working hours
- Normal working hours are capped at 8 hours a day or 48 hours a week.
- Normal hours are reduced by two hours during Ramadan.
- No one works more than 5 consecutive hours without breaks totalling at least one hour.
- Workers are entitled to a paid weekly rest of at least one day.
Overtime
| Situation | Pay |
|---|---|
| Regular overtime hours | Normal pay for the hours + at least 25% extra |
| Work between 10 pm and 4 am | Normal pay + at least 50% extra (not for shift workers) |
| Work on a rest day or public holiday | A substitute rest day, or extra pay on top of the basic wage as set by the ministry |
Total working hours may not exceed 144 hours every 3 weeks, according to MOHRE.
Sick leave in brief
After probation: up to 90 days a year, of which 15 days on full pay, then 30 days on half pay, and the rest unpaid. Probation details in our probation guide.
A tip before accepting any offer
- Ask about the schedule: shifts? Weekends?
- Make sure leave and working hours are written in the contract.
- In customer service, hospitality and retail, ask about shifts and night work upfront.
Also review the nine contract checks.
Official sources
- “Dear Worker, know your rights” – Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation
- Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021 on the Regulation of Employment Relations (u.ae) (Article 29 on annual leave, Article 31 on sick leave)
This article is general guidance, not legal advice. Rules can change, so always check the official sources or contact the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (600590000) about your specific case.
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FAQ
How many days of annual leave are there in the UAE private sector?
30 days per year of service, and two days per month if service is between 6 months and one year.
What is the maximum working time in the UAE?
8 hours a day or 48 hours a week of normal work, reduced by two hours during Ramadan.
How is overtime paid?
Normal pay for the hours plus at least 25%, rising to at least 50% for work between 10 pm and 4 am for non-shift workers.