Public Holidays and Employee Leaves in the UAE

The United Arab Emirates (UAE), a thriving hub of business, tourism, and innovation upholds a unique blend of modern labor regulations and deep-rooted cultural traditions. For companies operating in the UAE, understanding public holidays and employee leave entitlements is essential for maintaining compliance, fostering work-life balance, and respecting the region’s Islamic and national customs. This guide outlines the UAE’s official holiday calendar, types of leave available to employees, and practical insights for workforce planning.

Public Holidays in the UAE

The UAE observes a mix of fixed-date national holidays and Islamic religious holidays that shift based on the lunar calendar. While national holidays like UAE National Day and Commemoration Day fall on the same date each year, Islamic holidays such as Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha vary annually, depending on moon sightings confirmed by UAE authorities.

UAE’s public holidays can be classified as:

• Religious Holidays (based on the Hijri calendar and may shift by a day or two)
• National Holidays (fixed Gregorian dates)
• International Observance (New Year’s Day)

Key UAE Public Holidays 2025

*Islamic holiday dates are confirmed by moon sightings and may vary by a day or two.

National Holidays In UAE

• Commemoration Day is a day to honor Emirati martyrs who gave their lives in the service of the nation.
• UAE National Day, celebrated on December 2nd, marks the unification of the Emirates in 1971 with parades, fireworks, and festivities.

Holiday Entitlement

Employees in the UAE, whether full-time or part-time, are entitled to paid public holidays. If a public holiday falls on a weekend or non-working day, the employer is not obligated to offer an alternative day off, unless specified in the employment contract or company policy.

Employee Leave Entitlements in the UAE

The UAE Labour Law provides various types of leave to support employee well-being and compliance with Islamic and family values. The key types of leave include:

1. Annual Leave

Employees are entitled to the following paid annual leaves:

• 2 days per month if the employee has completed more than 6 months but less than 1 year of service.
• 30 calendar days per year after completing 1 year of continuous service.

Carry forward: Allowed for up to 2 years, subject to company policy.

Encashment: Allowed upon resignation or termination for unused balance.

2. Sick Leave

Employees are entitled to up to 90 days of sick leave per year, subject to medical certification:

• First 15 days: fully paid
• Next 30 days: half pay
• The remaining 45 days: unpaid

Sick leave is not applicable during the probation period unless the employer allows it. According to Article 31 of the UAE Labour Law, employees are required to notify their employer within three days and provide a valid medical certificate.

3. Maternity Leave

Female employees are entitled to:

• 60 days of maternity leave, including:
  • 45 days at full pay
  • 15 days at half pay
• An additional 45 days of unpaid leave may be requested if complications arise.

Mothers are also entitled to 2 daily breastfeeding breaks (not exceeding 1 hour total) for 6 months after childbirth.

4. Paternity Leave

As per the updated law, male employees are entitled to:

• 5 working days of paid paternity leave, to be taken within 6 months of the child’s birth.

5. Bereavement Leave

Employees may take:

• 5 days for the death of a spouse
• 3 days for the death of a parent, child, sibling, grandparent, or grandchild

6. Study Leave

UAE nationals are eligible for 10 days of study leave per year, if enrolled in a recognized educational institution.

7. Hajj Leave (Pilgrimage Leave)

Muslim employees are entitled to up to 30 days of unpaid leave to perform Hajj once during their employment.

Other Leave Types and Notes

Emergency Leave

While not officially mandated by law, some companies provide emergency leave at their discretion.

Unpaid Leave

Unpaid leave may be granted based on mutual agreement. This period does not count toward service for gratuity or end-of-service benefits.

End-of-Service Benefits

Employees who complete one year or more of continuous service are eligible for gratuity pay upon resignation or termination (unless dismissed for cause). This is calculated based on basic salary, not total pay:

• 21 days’ wage per year for the first 5 years
• 30 days’ wage per year for each year after

Gratuity is capped at 2 years’ total salary.

Holiday Planning for Employers

To optimize operations and respect local culture:

• Plan business-critical operations around Eid, National Day, and Ramadan (reduced working hours)
• Publish an annual holiday calendar, factoring in tentative Islamic holiday windows
• Ensure HR and payroll systems accommodate variable holiday dates and leave balances
• Offer flexibility or remote work options where appropriate during long public holidays

Conclusion

Implementing compliant leave policies isn’t just a legal requirement, it’s part of building a responsible, inclusive, and high-performing workplace. Whether you’re managing a local office or a regional hub, understanding the nuances of the UAE’s labor laws and cultural calendar helps ensure business continuity, employee satisfaction, and long-term success