UAE Sick Leave Law: Days, Pay, and Documentation
UAE law gives you up to 90 days of sick leave per year — 15 at full pay, 30 at half pay, and 45 unpaid. Your employer cannot fire you while on approved sick leave. Here is the complete breakdown of your entitlements and how to protect yourself.
Sick Leave Entitlement Breakdown
Days 1-15: Full Pay
First 15 days of sick leave per year at 100% of your salary. Your employer must pay your full wages during this period.
Days 16-45: Half Pay
Next 30 days at 50% of your salary. Your employer pays half your normal wages.
Days 46-90: Unpaid
Remaining 45 days with no salary. However, your employment is protected — your employer cannot terminate you during this period.
Medical Certificate Requirements
You must provide a medical certificate to qualify for paid sick leave. Here is what you need:
- Certificate must be from a UAE-licensed medical facility (government or private)
- It must specify the diagnosis or nature of illness (general terms are acceptable)
- It must state the number of recommended rest days
- It should be dated and stamped by the medical facility
- You should notify your employer within 48 hours of falling ill (or as soon as possible)
- For extended leave, you may need updated certificates from follow-up visits
Important Rules
What to Do If Your Employer Violates Sick Leave Rights
Keep all medical certificates and copies of communications with your employer
Document salary deductions — compare your bank statement with what you should have received
If terminated during sick leave, save the termination notice and your medical certificate
File a complaint with MoHRE specifying the violation (deduction, termination, or denial of leave)
Bring your medical certificates, bank statements, and contract to the mediation session
Sick Leave vs. Work Injury Leave
If your illness or injury is work-related, you have additional protections beyond the standard 90-day sick leave. Work injury leave covers the entire treatment and recovery period at full pay. Your employer must also cover all medical expenses. If you suffer a permanent disability, you are entitled to additional compensation. Work injuries should be reported to the employer and relevant authorities immediately.
Review Your Sick Leave Terms
Some contracts offer better sick leave than the legal minimum. Upload your employment contract and we will identify your specific sick leave terms and any additional protections.
Check Your ContractFrequently Asked Questions
How many sick leave days do I get in UAE?
After completing probation, you are entitled to 90 days of sick leave per year: first 15 days at full pay, next 30 days at half pay, and remaining 45 days at no pay. Sick leave resets each year. During probation, you may be entitled to sick leave depending on your contract terms.
Do I need a medical certificate for sick leave in UAE?
Yes. You must provide a medical certificate from a UAE-licensed medical facility. A certificate from a government hospital or clinic is always accepted. Private hospital certificates are also accepted but must be from a DHA/HAAD/MOH licensed facility. The certificate must specify the number of recommended rest days.
Can my employer fire me while I'm on sick leave?
No. Under UAE labour law, your employer cannot terminate you while you are on approved sick leave (within the 90-day entitlement). If they do, this constitutes illegal termination and you can file a complaint with MoHRE for compensation. However, after exhausting all 90 days, the employer may terminate if you cannot return to work.
Does sick leave affect my annual leave or gratuity?
Sick leave does not reduce your annual leave entitlement. However, unpaid sick leave days (days 46-90) are not counted as service days for gratuity calculation. Full pay and half pay sick leave days are counted normally for all entitlements.
What if my employer deducts salary during sick leave?
If your employer deducts salary during the first 15 days of sick leave (which should be full pay) or pays nothing during days 16-45 (which should be half pay), this is a violation. File a complaint with MoHRE with your medical certificate and bank statements as evidence.