Sick leave in UAE is one of those things people usually don’t pay attention to in the beginning. It only becomes important when you actually fall sick and need time off. That’s when questions start coming up—how many sick leaves are allowed in UAE, is sick leave paid in UAE, and how the sick leave salary UAE actually works.

As per the UAE labour law sick leave rules, employees do get leave when they are unwell, but it’s not as simple as just taking days off. There are different stages—some days are fully paid, some are half paid, and after that it can even become unpaid. Because of this, understanding your UAE sick leave entitlement becomes important, especially if the illness lasts longer than expected.

Most companies have their own sick leave policy UAE, but it is still based on labour law. The confusion usually happens around things like leave during probation, medical proof, or what happens if someone crosses the 90-day limit. Many employees are also not fully clear about paid sick leave UAE and how salary is adjusted during that period.

So instead of keeping it complicated, this guide explains sick leave in UAE in a clear and practical way—covering the rules, salary part, and common situations that employees actually face at work.

Who is eligible for paid or unpaid leave in UAE?

In the UAE, employees can take sick leave in UAE only after they complete their probation period. Before that, paid leave is usually not allowed, but some companies may still give unpaid leave if there is a valid medical reason. As per the UAE labour law sick leave rules, once an employee is confirmed, they can start using their leave as part of their UAE sick leave entitlement.

The number of days and how the leave is managed can depend on the company’s sick leave policy UAE, even though it follows labour law. That’s why it’s always better to check with HRMS or go through your employment contract to understand how many sick leaves are allowed in UAE in your company and whether your leave will fall under paid sick leave UAE or not.

This helps avoid confusion later, especially when it comes to approval, salary during leave, and basic company rules.

The duration of sick leaves in an organization can be up to 90 days including:

  • First 15 days – full salary is given (this comes under paid sick leave UAE)
  • Next 30 days – salary is reduced to half, which is part of the sick leave salary UAE structure
  • Remaining 45 days – no salary is paid, as per UAE sick leave without salary rules

In some cases, sick leave in UAE may go beyond the standard 90 days, especially if the medical condition is serious. As per UAE labour law sick leave guidelines, extended leave can be considered based on the employee’s health condition and proper medical proof.

However, this is not automatic. It usually depends on the company’s internal policy and how the situation is handled under UAE sick leave rules for private sector. In most cases, any extension after the standard limit may fall under UAE sick leave without salary rules, unless the employer decides otherwise.

So, while the general UAE sick leave entitlement is 90 days, exceptions can happen in real situations where medical need is clearly justified.

Who is not eligible for sick leave in UAE?

Not every situation is covered under sick leave in UAE. There are certain cases where employees may not be eligible to receive leave or salary, even if they are unwell. As per UAE labour law sick leave rules, these conditions are clearly defined to avoid misuse of leave policies.

Below are some common situations where paid sick leave UAE may not be granted to an employee:

1. Probationary Employee

Employees who are still in their probation period are generally not eligible for paid sick leave UAE. As per sick leave during probation UAE law, companies are not required to provide paid leave at this stage.

However, in genuine cases, an employee may still request time off. This usually falls under unpaid leave and depends on the company’s sick leave policy UAE. In most situations, the employer will ask for a valid medical report before approving such leave under sick leave in UAE.

2. Illness caused due to consumption of prohibited substances

 If an illness is caused due to the use of alcohol, drugs, or any prohibited substances, the employee may not be eligible for paid sick leave UAE. As per UAE labour law sick leave rules, such cases are usually treated as misconduct rather than a genuine medical condition.

Because of this, the employee can lose their right to sick leave salary UAE and may not receive any paid leave benefits. In some situations, it can also affect their overall UAE sick leave entitlement, depending on the company’s sick leave policy UAE.

3. Employee works for another organization during the leave

 If an employee takes sick leave in UAE and is found working for another company during that time, the employer has the right to cancel the leave. As per UAE labour law sick leave rules, this is seen as misuse of leave.

In such cases, the employee may lose their paid sick leave UAE benefits, and it can also impact their sick leave salary UAE. Apart from that, the employer may take further action depending on the company’s sick leave policy UAE and internal rules.

Process of taking Sick Leave in UAE

An employee should keep a few basic things in mind while applying for sick leave in UAE, so that there are no issues later with approval or salary.

  • As per UAE labour law sick leave rules, employees are expected to inform their employer within a maximum of three days after taking leave. This helps the company manage work and avoid disruption in daily tasks.
  • In most cases, the employer may ask for medical proof. Submitting a valid medical certificate is important, as it helps in deciding the approval of leave and also affects the sick leave salary UAE and overall UAE sick leave entitlement.
  • Following the company’s sick leave policy UAE and providing proper documents makes the process smoother, especially when the leave extends for multiple days.

More details are usually mentioned in the company policy regarding medical certificates and documentation required during paid sick leave UAE.

Special Cases During Sick Leave in 2026:

 In some situations, the rules around sick leave in UAE may slightly differ based on the condition and how it is handled under UAE labour law sick leave. These are not very common, but it’s still important to understand them so there’s no confusion later.

Below are some specific cases where different conditions may apply depending on the situation and company policy:

Termination on Grounds of Sickness

 In most cases, an employer cannot remove an employee while they are on sick leave in UAE. The idea is simple — if someone is genuinely unwell, their job should not be at risk during that time.

But there is a limit to this. Once the full 90 days under UAE labour law sick leave are used, things can change. If the employee still does not return to work after that, the employer may decide to end the employment.

Even then, the employee doesn’t lose everything. They are still eligible for their end-of-service benefits, and gratuity is usually paid as per the rules. For the final settlement, companies may ask for a medical certificate and complete the usual FnF process.

So, while UAE sick leave entitlement does protect employees, it also has a clear boundary once the allowed period is over.

Resignation of the Employee During Sick Leave in UAE

 In some cases, an employee may decide to resign while they are on sick leave in UAE, especially if their health condition is not improving.

This can usually happen in situations like:

  • The employee chooses to resign due to illness before completing the first 45 days of leave under UAE labour law sick leave
  • The reason for resignation is supported by a doctor or medical practitioner
  • The employer is still required to pay the applicable amount for those days, as per the sick leave salary UAE rules

So even during paid sick leave UAE, resignation is possible, but it depends on the situation and proper medical justification.

Termination of Employment During Sick leave in UAE

There are certain situations where an employer may decide to end employment during or after sick leave in UAE, especially if the rules are not followed properly.

Some common cases include:

  • If the employee does not return to work after completing their approved leave under UAE labour law sick leave
  • If the employee fails to inform the employer about their absence for more than a few days (usually beyond the allowed reporting period)
  • If the employee is found working for another company while on leave, which is considered misuse of paid sick leave UAE

In such situations, the employer may take action based on the company’s sick leave policy UAE, which can also affect the employee’s sick leave salary UAE and final settlement.

For more clarity, it’s always better to check with HR and understand the leave rules followed within your organization.

Remain In Compliance with Leave Laws in UAE with Zimyo

Since the administration of leave policies in different jurisdictions may be a tricky subject – particularly in the case of a business establishment that has to comply with constantly changing labour regulations in the UAE.

Moreover, when you use Zimyo Payroll, there is no need to be concerned with leave balances tracking, eligibility rules, or local compliance.

  • Automated Leave Tracking:Leave (paid, half paid and unpaid) period (according to UAE law) can be automatically calculated.
  • Custom Leave Policies: Adoption leave, extensions, and other varieties are simple to set up and apply to your workforce.
  • Compliance Monitoring:Keep in touch with the live law updates – MOHRE updates, as well as amendments within a specific sector.
  • Employee Self-Service: Allow your staff to check the illness leave balances, request to go on leave and provide them with online access to their documents.
  • HR Dashboard:HR can get a centralized view of all the leave statuses to ensure there is zero legal slip up.

Sometimes things don’t go as expected. An employee might apply for sick leave in UAE and still face delays, rejection, or confusion around salary. In such situations, it’s better to take action instead of just leaving it unresolved.

As per UAE labour law sick leave, employees have the right to raise a complaint if they feel they are not being treated fairly. One common option is Tasheel, where people usually go for help with job-related issues in the UAE. It can be useful if there’s a problem with leave approval, payment, or overall UAE sick leave entitlement.

At the same time, a lot of these issues happen because policies are not clear or properly managed. This is where tools like Zimyo are used by companies to handle sick leave policy UAE and keep everything more organised.

In the end, it really comes down to being aware of your rights and speaking up when something doesn’t feel right.

FAQ'S (Frequently Asked Questions)

What is the number of sick leave days permitted by law in UAE?

90 calendar days of sick leave is permitted by the UAE Labour Law in a year:The first 15 days you get full salary.You get half-pay during the following 30 days.The rest (45 days) are non-paid.

What is the number of sick leave days permitted by law in UAE?

Yes, an employee can take unpaid sick leave online during probation, provided the employer gives his consent and presents an authentic medical report.

Is sick leave during probation in UAE possible?

Yes. In case of more than two consecutive sick days, you will be required to provide a medical certificate issued by a licensed UAE healthcare provider.

Is sick leave during probation in UAE possible?

Yes. In case you resign because of sickness and your doctor consents, your employer is bound to pay you during up to 45 days of sick leave, as long as you are within the qualifying time. sick leave, tear up your contract and refuse you final settlement.

Do I require a medical certificate to take a sick leave in UAE?

Are weekends or holidays considered as leave in UAE?

Also Read

Annual Leave in UAE