United Arab Emirates Employment Guide

Annual Leave Entitlements in the UAE

In the United Arab Emirates, employees working a standard five-day week are entitled to a minimum of 30 calendar days of paid annual leave. This leave accrues at a rate of 2.5 days per month of service. However, employees must complete six months of continuous service before becoming eligible to take leave. During the first year of employment, leave entitlement is limited to two days per month for the remaining months after the initial six-month period. Once an employee surpasses 12 months of service, the full annual entitlement of at least 30 calendar days applies.

Public Holidays in the UAE

The UAE observes approximately 15 public holidays annually. These holidays consist of fixed-date celebrations and Islamic holidays that shift each year according to the lunar calendar.

1. New Year's Day: January 1st
2. Eid al-Fitr (4 days)
3. Day of Arafat
4. Eid al-Adha (4 days)
5. Islamic New Year
6. Prophet Muhammad's Birthday
7. Commemoration Day: December 1st
8. UAE National Day: December 2nd
9. UAE National Day: December 3rd

Practical Implications for International Employers

For global companies like SailGlobal operating in the UAE, understanding these regulations is crucial for compliance and effective workforce management. The accrual system requires meticulous tracking, particularly for new hires during their first year. The combination of fixed and variable holidays necessitates flexible annual planning to accommodate both business needs and employee expectations.