Comprehensive Overview of Statutory Leave Entitlements

The UAE modernized employment regulations provide comprehensive protections for healthcare, family support, and education.

Summary of Statutory Leave Categories

  • Maternity Leave (Article 30): 60 calendar days (45 days full pay + 15 days half pay). Also includes an extra 45 days unpaid leave for pregnancy-related medical complications, and two 30-minute daily nursing breaks for 6 months after returning to work.
  • Parental Leave (Article 32): 5 working days of paid leave within 6 months of the birth of a child.
  • Sick Leave (Article 31): Up to 90 continuous or intermittent days per year of service after probation: first 15 days at full pay, next 30 days at half pay, and remaining 45 days unpaid.
  • Bereavement Leave: 5 days for the death of a spouse; 3 days for the death of a parent, child, sibling, or grandchild.