Maximum 90 days per year under UAE Labour Law
UAE Sick Leave Entitlement:
15 days full pay + 30 days half pay + 45 days unpaid
Total: 90 days per year (after probation)
Sick Days
20
requested
Total Pay
AED 8,750
Daily Wage
AED 500
Sick Leave Stages
What are the UAE sick leave rules?
Under Federal Decree-Law No. 33/2021 (UAE Labour Law), employees who have completed their probation period are entitled to 90 days of sick leave per year. This is broken down into three stages: the first 15 days at full pay, the next 30 days at half pay, and the remaining 45 days without pay. Sick leave can be taken consecutively or intermittently, and the 90-day entitlement resets each year.
Do I need a medical certificate for sick leave?
Yes, employees must provide a medical certificate from a licensed medical practitioner to claim sick leave. The employer has the right to request the employee to be examined by a medical practitioner designated by the employer. Sick leave taken without a valid medical certificate may be treated as unauthorised absence.
What about sick leave during the probation period?
Sick leave entitlement under UAE Labour Law begins only after the employee has completed the probation period (typically 6 months). During probation, sick leave is generally at the employer's discretion and may be unpaid unless the employment contract or company policy provides otherwise.
Note: Employers cannot terminate an employee solely for being on sick leave, provided the 90-day limit has not been exceeded. Some free zones and DIFC may have enhanced sick leave policies.
Your rights to paid sick leave under UAE Labour Law
How much sick leave do I get in the UAE?
After completing your probation period (up to 6 months), you are entitled to 90 calendar days of sick leave per year. The first 15 days are at full pay, the next 30 days are at half pay, and the remaining 45 days are unpaid. For example, on a salary of AED 10,000, you would receive AED 10,000 for the first 15 days, then AED 5,000 for the next 30 days.
Do I need a medical certificate?
Yes. You must provide a medical certificate from a licensed doctor or hospital in the UAE. Your employer can ask for the certificate from day one of your absence. Without a valid medical certificate, your employer may treat the absence as unauthorised leave, which could lead to a salary deduction or disciplinary action.
Can I take sick leave during probation?
During probation (usually the first 6 months of employment), you may not be entitled to paid sick leave under the law. However, many employers do offer sick leave during probation as part of their company policy. Check your employment contract for the exact terms.
Can my employer dismiss me while I am on sick leave?
Your employer cannot dismiss you during the first 90 days of sick leave as long as you provide valid medical certificates. However, if you exhaust all 90 days and are still unable to return to work, your employer has the right to terminate your employment. Your end-of-service gratuity would still be paid.
What if I get sick during annual leave?
If you fall ill during your annual leave and can provide a medical certificate, the sick days are treated as sick leave, not annual leave. You would then resume your annual leave after recovering, or your employer would reinstate the equivalent leave days for you to take later.
Does sick leave affect my end-of-service gratuity?
Yes, positively. All sick leave, whether paid or unpaid, counts as continuous service. It does not break your employment record and is included in the calculation of your end-of-service gratuity. So 90 days of sick leave does not reduce your years of service.
What happens if I am injured at work?
Work-related injuries and occupational illnesses are covered separately under UAE Labour Law. If you are injured at work, your employer must pay for all your medical treatment and you receive full pay for the entire period of treatment, with no deduction from your regular sick leave entitlement.
FTA-Aligned: Based on the 2022 UAE Federal Decree-Law No. 33 on Labour Relations. For personal advice, speak to a qualified HR or legal consultant.
Disclaimer: This calculator provides estimates based on current UAE Federal Tax Authority rates and MOHRE labour law provisions. It does not constitute professional tax, financial, or legal advice. Your actual entitlements may differ depending on your individual circumstances, employment contract, and applicable free zone regulations. Always consult a qualified adviser before making financial decisions. Read our terms