🏖️ MOHRE Annual Leave Calculator UAE
حاسبة الإجازة السنوية · Federal Decree-Law No. 33/2021 · MOHRE approved
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UAE ANNUAL LEAVE RULES — قواعد الإجازة السنوية
How MOHRE calculates annual leave in UAE — Article 29
Under Article 29 of Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021, every private sector employee in the UAE is entitled to paid annual leave as follows:
| Length of Service | Annual Leave Entitlement | Calculation |
|---|---|---|
| Less than 6 months | None | No leave entitlement in first 6 months |
| 6 months to 1 year | 2 days per completed month | Prorated monthly accrual |
| 1 year or more | 30 calendar days per year | Full entitlement — standard UAE allowance |
| On termination / resignation | Unused days paid as cash | Daily wage × unused leave days |
Calendar days, not working days: UAE annual leave is counted in calendar days, including weekends and public holidays that fall within the leave period. This differs from some countries that count only business days.
UNUSED LEAVE ON LEAVING — الإجازة غير المستخدمة عند ترك العمل
What happens to unused annual leave when you leave?
When an employee leaves — whether by resignation, termination, or contract expiry — any accrued but unused annual leave must be paid in cash by the employer. This is a legal obligation under Article 29, not a discretionary benefit.
Cash value of unused leave:
Daily wage = Monthly basic salary ÷ 30
Leave payout = Daily wage × Unused leave days
EXAMPLE — 3 YEARS SERVICE, 15 UNUSED DAYS
Basic salary: AED 9,000/month
Daily wage: AED 9,000 ÷ 30 = AED 300
Total entitlement: 30 days × 3 years = 90 days
Leave taken: 75 days
Unused: 90 − 75 = 15 days
Leave payout: 15 × AED 300 = AED 4,500
Important: Leave payout and gratuity are two separate entitlements. Your employer must pay both — you cannot waive either under UAE law. If your employer combines or deducts one from the other, file a complaint with MOHRE.
ANNUAL LEAVE vs GRATUITY — الإجازة مقابل مكافأة نهاية الخدمة
Annual leave payout vs end-of-service gratuity — key differences
| Factor | Annual Leave Payout | End-of-Service Gratuity |
|---|---|---|
| Legal basis | Article 29, FDL No. 33/2021 | Article 51, FDL No. 33/2021 |
| Minimum service | 6 months (prorated) | 1 full year |
| Salary basis | Basic salary ÷ 30 per day | Basic salary ÷ 30 per day |
| Formula | 30 days/year (1 yr+) | 21 days/yr (first 5), 30 days/yr (after 5) |
| Cap | No statutory cap | 24 months basic salary |
| Paid on resignation? | Yes — unused days always paid | Yes — full entitlement after 1 year |
| Affects by DIFC/DEWS? | No — leave rules same in DIFC | Yes — DEWS replaces gratuity in DIFC |
Frequently asked questions — MOHRE annual leave
Can my employer force me to take annual leave?
Yes — under UAE law, the employer may schedule when annual leave is taken, taking into account operational requirements. However, the employer cannot deny the entitlement altogether. If your leave is continuously postponed, unused days accumulate and must be paid on exit.
Is annual leave in UAE 30 working days or calendar days?
Calendar days. UAE annual leave entitlement is 30 calendar days — this includes weekends and any public holidays that fall within the leave period. This is different from some countries that grant 30 working days.
Do I get annual leave if I resign before completing 1 year?
Yes, provided you have completed at least 6 months of service. For service between 6 and 12 months, you accrue 2 days of leave per completed month. These days must be paid out as cash on your last day.
Can my employer deduct annual leave from my gratuity?
No. Annual leave payout and end-of-service gratuity are separate legal entitlements. An employer cannot offset unused leave against gratuity, or vice versa. Both must be paid in full.
How do I file a complaint if my employer doesn't pay my leave balance?
File a complaint at mohre.gov.ae or call the MOHRE helpline at 800-60. You can also submit via the MOHRE smart app. Employers who fail to pay leave balances face fines, trade license issues, and a ban on hiring new employees.
كم يوم إجازة سنوية مستحقة لي في الإمارات؟
30 يوماً في السنة بعد إتمام سنة خدمة كاملة، و2 يوم عن كل شهر مكتمل إذا كانت مدة خدمتك بين 6 أشهر وسنة كاملة. وذلك وفق المادة 29 من المرسوم بقانون اتحادي رقم 33 لسنة 2021.
Also calculate your end-of-service gratuity
Annual leave payout and gratuity are both owed on your last day. Calculate your full EOSB now.
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