Sick leave

Sick leave in the United Arab Emirates entitles employees to 90 days of paid leave per year for illness or medical treatment. This entitlement applies to all workers covered under the UAE Labour Law and represents one of the most generous sick leave provisions globally. The 90 days may be used for the employee's own medical conditions, medical appointments, or recovery from illness, and employers must continue paying the employee's full salary during this period.

The rule is governed by the UAE Labour Law, specifically Federal Law No. 8 of 1980 (as amended), which establishes minimum employment standards across the private sector. The law distinguishes between sick leave taken consecutively and non-consecutively, with specific documentation requirements depending on the duration of absence.

For absences exceeding three consecutive days, employers may require medical certification from a licensed physician to verify the illness. Employees must notify their employer of sick leave as soon as practicable, following company procedures outlined in employment contracts or staff handbooks.

Employers must maintain accurate records of all sick leave taken and ensure payroll systems correctly process these absences without salary deductions. The 90-day entitlement resets annually, typically on the employee's contract anniversary date or the calendar year, depending on the employment agreement. Unused sick leave generally does not carry over to the following year unless the employment contract specifies otherwise. Payroll teams should implement systems to track sick leave balances, verify medical documentation when required, and ensure compliance with notification procedures to avoid disputes and maintain accurate wage calculations.