Sick Leave Policy in UAE Complete Guide 2024

Sick Leave Policy in UAE Complete Guide 2024

What is Sick Leave?

Sick leave is the period during which an employee is unable to come to the workplace because of health concerns. The time off is designed to allow employees to recover from illness. Employers can offer sick time as a benefit to employees in recognition that employees often have to consider their health without the extra stress of their work.

 On sick leave, employees can concentrate on receiving proper care and rest which is vital to their health and quick recovery.

Sick Leave as per UAE Labor Law

UAE Labor Law ensures that all employees in the UAE have certain rights under the law, including sick days that are provided to employees.

Everyone can get unwell at any stage of life. Different organizations have different rules regarding sick leave and they have to be observed.

The sick leave policy in UAE allows 90 sick leaves to employees each calendar year, subject to certain limitations.

To comprehend the laws regarding sick leave in the UAE you should go through the entire blog.

Do you have any employment issues in the UAE? If you need advice regarding how to proceed Contact us @ Archtech.

What Conditions Would You Require for Sick Leave?

According to the Sick Leave Policy in UAE, sick leave is typically granted for the following reasons:

  • If you are sick and cannot work, you might require a sick leave. It could be because of an illness like a cold, flu, or another respiratory illness as well as chronic illnesses or a mental health issue.
  • If you are scheduled for a medical appointment but is not possible to change the date or cancel, you might need to be on sick leave. 
  • If you face an emergency at home that requires your help, you might need to be on sick leave. It could be because of the illness of a child, or family member who has been injured, or even the death of one of your family members.

Do you have any employment issues in the UAE? If you need advice regarding how to proceed Contact us @ Archtech.

Which Employees Are Not Eligible for Sick Leave in The UAE?

According to the Sick leave policy in UAE, there are certain conditions under which sick leave in UAE is not provided to employees.

Below take a view on the conditions under which sick leave in UAE is not provided to an employee:

  • Employee is on probation period:

Employees are not entitled to any paid sick leave in UAE if they are in a probationary period. However, they can still avail of unpaid sick leave after approval from the employer on a genuine basis.  

  • Employee fell ill due to consumption of drugs:

If an employee has fallen ill due to the consumption of drugs, alcohol, or any other narcotics supplement then they are not entitled to paid sick leave. 

  • Employee works for another organization during the sick leave:

If an employee works with another organization during his sick leave then he will not be entitled to paid sick leave. Moreover, employers can also take legal action against that employee in case.

Sick Leave as per UAE Labor Law

How to Apply for Sick Leave in UAE?

To have a sick leave in case of genuine reasons, inform your employer or the manager as early as possible. Directly contact the relevant person or send an email in the official pattern.


Email Template for Sick Leave:


Subject: Request for Sick Leave – [Your Name]

Respected [Employer/Manager’s Name],

I hope you will be fine. I want to inform you that, unfortunately, I have fallen ill and need to take sick leave to recover. My doctor has advised me to rest with proper health care for the next [number of days] days.

As per our company’s policy, I have attached my medical certificate as proof to let you know the necessary details of my condition and the recommended period of rest.

During my off days, I will make sure that my responsibilities are covered. I also have told [Colleague’s Name] about my current projects and tasks. [Colleague’s Name] has kindly agreed to oversee my duties during my absence period. In case any urgent matters arise, I will be available for consultation via email or phone call.

I apologize for any inconvenience my absenteeism may cause and appreciate your understanding during this time. I hopefully aim to return to work fully recovered by [return date].

Thank you for your cooperation. Please do let me know if any further information or arrangements are required.

Best regards,

[Your Full Name]

[Your Position]

[Your Contact Information]                                    [Date]

Calculating Sick Leave in UAE

After the completion of the probation period, employees are entitled to take a maximum of 90 days of sick leave in UAE, which can be consecutive or discontinuous, per year.

Calculation of those 90 days as per the sick leave policy in UAE is as follows:

  • Sick Leave Policy in UAE for the first 15 Days: According to the sick leave policy in UAE, these 15 days are compensated at full pay of the monthly salary.
  • Sick Leave Policy in UAE for the following 30 Days: According to the sick leave policy in UAE, the following 30 days are at half pay of the monthly salary.
  • Sick Leave Policy in UAE for the remaining 45 Days: According to the sick leave policy in UAE, the remaining 45 days are without any pay.

Do you have any employment issues in the UAE? If you need advice regarding how to proceed Contact us @ Archtech.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

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