Introduction  

Overview of New Leaves Granted to Workers in the United Arab Emirates Introduction: The United Arab Emirates is one of the fastest-growing countries in the world, and this rapid economic growth has attracted many workers and employees from around the globe to work in the country. To ensure the rights of workers and enhance their relationship with employers, the UAE has implemented legislation and laws regulating leaves and official vacations for workers. In this article, we will discuss the types of new leaves granted to workers in the UAE and their related rights. 

Annual Leave  

Annual leave is a guaranteed right for private sector workers in the UAE according to UAE Labor Law No. 33 of 2021. Here are the key points of this leave: 

  • An employee can take annual leave after six months of starting their employment with the employer. 
  • Annual leave must be a minimum of 30 days with full salary for each year of service. 
  • Employees who spend more than six months and less than a year at work are entitled to at least two days of annual leave. 

In case the employee’s service ends before utilizing their annual leave, they are entitled to compensatory leave for the unused period. These rules aim to ensure the rights of workers and enhance their relationship with employers in the UAE. 

Bereavement Leave  

Bereavement leave is granted to employees in case of the death of one of their close relatives, and this type of leave aims to support family and community cohesion. Here are its key points: 

  • An employee is granted leave with full pay for five days in case of the death of a first-degree relative, such as a parent, spouse, child, or sibling. 
  • Additionally, an employee is granted three days of leave in case of the death of a second-degree relative, including grandparents, uncles, aunts, cousins, and grandchildren. 
  • One day of leave is granted in case of the death of a third-degree relative, such as aunts and uncles of the spouse, and the children of siblings. 
  • Bereavement leave can be combined with annual leave and unpaid leave. 

This type of leave demonstrates social support and understanding from the state. 

Sick Leave 

Sick leave is granted to workers in case of illness and is strictly regulated to protect the rights of the worker and maintain a balance between the worker and the employer. Here are its key points: 

  • An employee is entitled to sick leave for up to 90 days per year after the probation period. 
  • Salaries are paid at different rates during sick leave, with the employee receiving full salary for the first 15 days, half salary from day 16 to 45, and no salary thereafter. 
  • An employer may grant an employee sick leave without pay during the probation period based on a medical report. 
  • The employee must notify the employer of their illness within three days and provide a medical report. 
  • The employer cannot terminate or threaten to terminate the employee during their sick leave. 

These laws contribute to protecting the rights of workers and ensuring adequate healthcare. 

Expert Opinions  

Ahmed Saber, Head of Litigation Department: The UAE adopts effective laws and procedures to protect workers’ rights, enhancing its attractiveness as a work destination. Employers and employees must adhere to these laws to ensure balance and justice in the labor market. 

Bereavement leave reflects the unity of Emiratis and social understanding in the country. Granting employees this leave shows concern for the health and well-being of employees and their families. Sick leave provides essential protection for workers in case of illness, ensuring adequate healthcare and promoting stability in employment. 

Nada Al-Mawwi, Head of Consulting Department: These laws and leaves signal the UAE’s commitment to workers’ rights, and based on my experience, these measures increase worker satisfaction and make them more willing to perform their best at work. The possibility of combining bereavement leave with annual leave demonstrates flexibility in the laws and shows an understanding of workers’ personal circumstances. 

Laws that grant workers rights such as bereavement leave and sick leave reflect the UAE’s social and humanitarian commitment, contributing to building a more cohesive and prosperous society. 

Conclusion  

These new laws and leaves in the UAE demonstrate its commitment to protecting workers’ rights and enhancing their relationship with employers. These measures represent a positive step toward achieving a balance between rights and responsibilities in the UAE labor market, and they bolster the UAE’s status as a preferred destination for work and investment.