What is the UAE annual leave entitlement?
UAE employees are entitled to 30 calendar days of annual leave after one year of service. During the first year, employees earn two days per month after completing six months.
🇦🇪 UAE · Free tool
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UAE Annual Leave Calculator
Pro-rata leave balance for the current calendar year.
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DD/MM/YYYY: 01/07/2024
Enter values above to calculate
Legal basis
Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021, Articles 29–31 — minimum 30 calendar days annual leave after one year of service.
UAE annual leave law — Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021
Annual leave must be granted and recorded. Unused leave is typically paid on termination. Employers may set policies on carry-forward within legal limits.
How to calculate pro-rated annual leave in UAE
Pro-rate from the later of 1 January or employment start date: (days employed this year ÷ 365) × policy days per year.
Can employer refuse annual leave in UAE?
Employers may schedule leave based on business needs but cannot deny accrued entitlement indefinitely. Refusal without valid reason may violate labour law.
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Frequently asked questions
30 calendar days after one year; two days per month during the first year.
Based on days employed in the current calendar year divided by 365, times policy days.
Subject to company policy and labour law limits.
Yes — unused accrued leave is paid in final settlement.
Yes — balances, approvals, and mobile ESS.
30 days — UAE legal minimum for full-time employees after one year.
Yes — enter your company policy if higher than the legal minimum.
From 1 January or employment start date, whichever is later.
Track leave balances for your whole team.
ArcHR accrues leave automatically, handles approvals, and shows balances on ESS mobile.