Sick leave is one of the most common questions in UAE workplaces, and the rules under Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021 are clearer than many people realise. Here's how entitlement and pay work for private-sector employees.
How much sick leave are you entitled to?
After completing probation, an employee may take up to 90 days of sick leave per year, either continuously or intermittently. Crucially, those 90 days are not all paid at the same rate.
- First 15 days — full pay.
- Next 30 days — half pay.
- The following 45 days — unpaid.
Sick leave during probation
During the probation period, there is no entitlement to paid sick leave. An employer may grant unpaid sick leave at their discretion, but pay is not guaranteed by law until probation is complete.
Notice and medical reports
An employee must notify their employer of illness within a short window (generally three days) and provide a medical report from a licensed medical authority to support the sick leave. Keeping this documentation is important for both sides.
When sick pay can be affected
If sickness results directly from the employee's own misconduct — for example, injury caused by the influence of alcohol or drugs — the employer may not be obliged to pay for that leave. Accurate records help avoid disputes here.
How TimeChart helps
Tracking sick, annual and unpaid leave by hand is where errors creep into payroll. TimeChart's leave management records each leave type against the right pay rate automatically, so your attendance and payroll stay accurate and compliant.
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Schedule a free demoPlease note: This article is general information, not legal advice. UAE labour rules are updated periodically — always confirm the current details with the Ministry of Human Resources & Emiratisation (mohre.gov.ae) or a qualified professional.