Sick Leave Rules in UAE (2026 Labour Law): Salary, Days & Employee Rights

The laws related to the so-called labor law of many Arab buildings are a major change. This law was repealed on February 2, 2022. It replaced the Holy Quran.This new law is designed to make the working relationship between private sector workers and companies easier, more balanced and modern, so that both employees and their wages are clear and the work system is in line with the minimum wage.

Who the Law Applies To

UAE labor laws mostly apply to employees working in private security, which includes both UAE nationals and expatriate employees, but some people do not, and for example, government employees and those working under special free zone laws, such as their foreign employees, have separate laws. Sick Leave Rules in UAE Key Features of the Current UAE Labour Law.

Click Here: Leave Salary Calculator UAE

Flexible Contract Types

This law abolishes unlimited contracts. Now, fixed-term contracts are mandatory for viewers. Usually, the contract is for three years and can be renewed or made for a shorter period if both the company and the employees agree.

Full-time – Standard employment

Part-time – Work based on specified hours/days

Temporary – Project-based or specific duration

Flexible/Remote – Modern work arrangements to suit market needs

Working Hours, Overtime & Rest

Generally, the working hours are around eight hours. Sick Leave Rules in UAE In some cases, there may be slight variations in working hours, such as working more hours in both jobs. Overtime is also allowed, but this variation can only be up to a maximum of two hours. In addition, the total working hours during a few weeks are also fixed by law and should not be exceeded.

The right to overtime leave is to rest the land on a forbidden day. If an employee has to work on a public holiday, he is usually given a day off in return or is given an additional salary increase or higher compensation.

Read More: How to Calculate Gratuity in UAE (2026 Labour Law Guide + Real Examples)

Leave Entitlements

This law provides employees with clear and explicit leave benefits, including:

Annual Leave: At least 30 calendar days after one year of service.

Sick Leave: Up to 90 days, dependent on service length and documentation.

Maternity Leave: Enhanced in recent years, recently discussed policy proposals may further extend this benefit.

Paternity Leave: Available for eligible employees.

Anti-Discrimination and Workplace Protections

Under the current labor law, any discrimination on the basis of race, gender, religion, nationality, or employment is strictly prohibited. Qadir’s husband: It is important that men and women are paid equally for the same work. In addition, the company has the responsibility to ensure that employees are not forced to work and that they are protected from any kind of cruelty or personal injury.

According to this law, the carrot company cannot keep the personal passport of the employee. According to the law, it is necessary to return it to the employee upon termination of employment so that he can work independently in the labor market and work independently.

Employer & Employee Obligations

Employer Responsibilities

• Employees must be paid their agreed salaries and other benefits on time, which are paid through.
• All expenses are the responsibility of the company. These expenses are to be charged to the employee, which is against the law.
• The company must maintain a safe and discrimination-free workplace so that every employee can work with fairness and dignity.

Employee Duties

Employees must work with good morals and integrity and abide by the terms of their contracts.Maintain confidentiality where necessary and adhere to the non-compete clause, meaning not to engage in similar, competing work for a specified period of time after leaving the company.

Read More: UAE Gratuity Calculator Guide (2026): Easily Calculate Your End-of-Service Benefits

End-of-Service Benefits

Employees who have worked for a company for at least one year, i.e. at the end of their service, are entitled to receive gratuity. For the first one year, they are entitled to 21 days of salary per year, followed by 30 days per year. Some limitations may apply. According to court decisions, if a company tries to eliminate this right in advance, it is not legally valid.

Dispute Resolution and Enforcement

The law has included clear methods for resolving disputes. In many cases, if the claim is less than a certain amount, such as 50,000 AED, it can be resolved with that. Larger or smaller decisions are made in the courts. The deadline for filing a claim with any organization has now been extended to two years after the employee’s termination.

Penalties for Non-Compliance

The new law, 202 and subsequent ones, has imposed very heavy fines for violating the law, for example, employing employees without permission, not paying dues, and violating discrimination laws. Sick Leave Rules in UAE Fines can now range from AED 100,000 to AED 1,000,000, and this amount is determined according to the severity of the violation.

Recent & Emerging Changes

The UAE is constantly updating labor laws and policies, for example:

• National cities minimum wage rules are being introduced for the private sector in the UAE.
• At the same time, discussions are ongoing to possibly extend the benefits of the material to private security.
• The idea that these actions are meant to make the UAE’s job market more competitive, or to help modern workers adjust to changes, is not correct.

Read More: How Many Annual Leave Days Are Allowed in UAE? (2026 Labour Law Update)

Conclusion

In conclusion, the United Arab Emirates’ labor law serves as the foundation for modernizing the employment system and making it more fair.It includes various types of contracts, strict anti-discrimination laws, and strong enforcement mechanisms. Sick Leave Rules in UAE It is now important for companies and employees to know their rights and responsibilities. If you work or run a company in the UAE, it is very important to know this law so that the law is followed and the workplace remains peaceful and orderly. It is best to seek advice on complex matters.

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