A Comprehensive Overview of Leave Entitlements for Public and Private Sector Employees in the UAE

The United Arab Emirates (UAE), in its ongoing effort to align governmental human resource policies with international best practices, has introduced separate legislation for its public and private sectors. This legislation provides the foundational framework governing federal employees' rights and obligations, with a particular focus on work-life balance and employee welfare. Among its most progressive features is the detailed regulation of leave entitlements, which are structured to accommodate various personal, familial, educational, and health-related circumstances.

 

This article offers a comprehensive analysis of the different types of leave available under the Federal Decree-Laws for both the public and private sectors.

 

1. 1. Annual Leave

Public Sector: Employees in full-time roles within the federal government are entitled to 30 calendar days of fully paid annual leave per year. This leave can be taken in one or more installments, subject to operational requirements. If the leave is not used within a specific period, the balance may be carried over or compensated for according to implementing regulations, although excess accrual is generally discouraged to ensure employees take adequate rest.

 

Private Sector: Similarly, private sector employees are entitled to 30 calendar days of paid annual leave if they have completed one year of service. For those with less than a year of service, the leave is calculated on a pro-rata basis.

 

1. 2. Sick Leave

Public Sector: An employee is eligible for up to 90 days of sick leave per year as follows:

 

• First 15 days: Full pay

• Next 30 days: Half pay

• The subsequent period will be unpaid.

 

All sick leave applications must be supported by a certified medical report, and additional medical verification may be required for extended absences.

 

Private Sector: Private sector employees are also entitled to 90 days of sick leave per year, distributed similarly:

 

• First 15 days: Full pay

• Next 30 days: Half pay

• The subsequent period will be unpaid.

 

However, this is only granted after the completion of the probation period, which does not apply to the public sector.

 

1. 3. Maternity Leave

Public Sector: Female employees are entitled to 90 calendar days of paid maternity leave, which can commence either before or after the delivery. After this, a new mother may apply for up to 45 days of unpaid leave or request reduced working hours for 60 days post-maternity to facilitate childcare.

 

Private Sector: Female private sector employees are entitled to 60 days of maternity leave, with:

 

• First 45 days: Full pay

• Next 15 days: Half pay

 

They may also take 45 days of unpaid leave in case of postpartum complications or infant illness. The public sector offers a more generous and flexible maternity leave framework.

 

1. 4. Paternity Leave

Public Sector: Male federal employees are entitled to five working days of paternity leave, which must be taken within six months of the child's birth.

 

Private Sector: The private sector also provides the same duration of five working days, and this leave must also be taken within six months of the delivery.

 

1. 5. Bereavement Leave

Public Sector: Employees are entitled to bereavement leave as follows:

 

• Death of a spouse: 10 working days

• Death of a parent, child, sibling, grandparent, or grandchild: 5 working days

 

Private Sector: Bereavement leave provisions are similar in structure but shorter:

 

• Death of a spouse: 5 working days

• Death of a parent, child, sibling, grandparent, or grandchild: 3 working days

 

Here, the public sector offers a more compassionate and extended period of leave.

 

1. 6. Study Leave

Public Sector: A unique feature of the federal system, study leave is granted to UAE national employees pursuing an education relevant to their professional role or federal strategic objectives. The duration and conditions vary, but this is typically paid leave for official studies.

 

Private Sector: In the private sector, employees may take 10 working days of study leave per year, provided they are enrolled in an accredited institution and have completed two years with their employer.
 

1. 7. Sabbatical Leave for National Service

Public Sector: Employees called for national service are entitled to full-paid sabbatical leave for the duration of their service.

 

Private Sector: Similarly, the private sector must allow leave for national service, although the compensation obligations may vary. Public sector provisions are often more streamlined and coordinated with the military.

 

1. 8. Hajj Leave

Public Sector: Employees are entitled to 15 days of paid leave to perform the Hajj pilgrimage. This is granted once during their employment tenure.

 

Private Sector: Private sector employees are allowed up to 30 days of unpaid leave for this purpose. Thus, the public sector offers paid leave, while the private sector only grants unpaid leave.

 

1. 9. Leave Without Pay (Unpaid Leave)

Public Sector: The law provides for unpaid leave in cases not covered by other categories, subject to the approval of the relevant authority. This may include personal emergencies, travel, or family obligations.

 

Private Sector: Unpaid leave is not a statutory right but may be granted by agreement between the employer and employee. It is less formalised and more discretionary.

 

1. 10. Exceptional Leave

Public Sector: In circumstances of national interest, emergencies, or humanitarian reasons, exceptional leave may be granted at the discretion of the Federal Authority for Government Human Resources (FAHR). This provision is largely discretionary and may be used for situations like natural disasters or exceptional health situations.

 

Private Sector: No explicit provision for "exceptional leave" exists in private sector law. Any such leave must be mutually agreed upon or considered under "unpaid leave" if permitted.

 

Key Differences: Public vs. Private Sector Leave

 

Type of Leave	Public Sector	Private Sector
Annual Leave	30 calendar days	30 calendar days
Sick Leave	Up to 90 days with pay stages	Same, post-probation
Maternity Leave	90 days paid+flexible arrangements	60 days (45 full + 15 half pay)
Paternity Leave	5 working days	5 working days
Bereavement Leave	5–10 working days	3–5 working days
Study Leave	Extended (for UAE nationals)	10 working days
Hajj Leave	15 days paid	30 days unpaid
National Service	Full paid leave	Leave required, pay varies
Unpaid Leave	Structured via policy	Discretionary, upon agreement
Exceptional Leave	Yes (case-by-case)	Not formally provided

 

 

Conclusion

The UAE government has maintained a progressive vision for nurturing a motivated and protected public workforce. The breadth and depth of these leave entitlements reflect a holistic approach -- encompassing family life, education, religious observance, and health. The differences between the public and private sector provisions highlight the government's commitment to setting a high standard for its own employees while providing a clear framework for the private sector.

 

 

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