Sick leave in the UAE: days, pay and the medical certificate rules

In the UAE private sector, you can take up to 90 days of sick leave a year once you finish probation. The first 15 days are paid in full, the next 30 days at half pay, and the remaining 45 days are unpaid. You must tell your employer within 3 working days and give a medical report. There is no paid sick leave during probation.

These rules come from Article 31 of the UAE labour law, Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021. Your contract can be more generous. For all your other rights, see our UAE labour law guide.

How many sick days do you get in the UAE?

Sick days in the year	Pay
Days 1 to 15	Full pay
Days 16 to 45	Half pay
Days 46 to 90	Unpaid

The 90 days can be continuous or spread across the year.

Example: Priya earns AED 9,000 a month and is off sick for 20 days in the year. Days 1 to 15 are on full pay. Days 16 to 20 are on half pay. At AED 300 a day (9,000 ÷ 30), she loses about AED 750 for those 5 half-pay days. Everything else is paid as normal.

Sick leave during probation

The law says you are not entitled to paid sick leave during probation. If you are ill, you still need to tell your employer and give a medical report. Your employer can then give you unpaid sick leave.

See probation period in the UAE for the other probation rules.

What proof do you need?

1. Tell your employer within 3 working days of falling ill. Email is best because it leaves a record.
2. Give a medical report from a licensed hospital or clinic. It should show your name, the dates you are unfit to work, and the doctor’s details.

Without a valid report, your employer may treat the days as unauthorised absence. That can mean lost pay. Being absent without a good reason for more than 7 days in a row, or more than 20 days in a year, is also a ground for dismissal under Article 44.

If your employer doubts a certificate, the health authority that issued it can confirm it is real.

When sick leave is not paid

You do not get paid sick leave if the illness comes from your own misconduct. The Executive Regulations give examples such as the use of alcohol or drugs, or breaking safety rules you were told about.

Can you be dismissed while on sick leave?

Article 31 says your employer can end your contract after you have used up your sick leave, if you still cannot return to work. You still get all your end-of-service dues, including gratuity.

If you are dismissed while on valid sick leave, speak to MOHRE. Our termination benefits guide explains unlawful dismissal.

Sick leave vs work injury

If you are hurt at work or get a work-related disease, different rules apply. Under Articles 37 and 38:

• your employer pays for your treatment,
• you get your full wage during treatment, for up to 6 months,
• then half wage for up to 6 more months, or until you recover.

Report a work injury to your employer straight away.

Can you take sick leave during annual leave or notice?

During notice: yes. The same rules apply. Keep your medical report, because disputes are more common at the end of a job.

During annual leave: if you fall ill, tell your employer and send a medical report. Whether the days switch from annual leave to sick leave depends on your contract and company policy, so ask HR in writing.

Other leave you might need

• Caring for a new baby? Parents get 5 working days of parental leave. Mothers get 60 days of maternity leave.
• Planning time off? See annual leave in the UAE.

Frequently asked questions

How many sick leave days are allowed in the UAE?

Up to 90 days a year after probation: 15 days on full pay, 30 days on half pay, and 45 days unpaid.

Is sick leave paid during probation?

No. The law does not give paid sick leave during probation. Your employer can allow unpaid sick leave if you give a medical report.

Can I take sick leave without a medical certificate?

It is risky. The law asks you to give a medical report. Without one, your employer can treat the days as unpaid absence.

How soon do I need to tell my employer I’m sick?

Within 3 working days.

Can my employer fire me for being sick?

Your employer can end the contract after you have used all your sick leave and still cannot return. You keep all your end-of-service dues.