Entitlement, balances and encashment

UAE Annual Leave Guide

Review federal private-sector annual-leave accrual, balances and termination treatment without confusing leave types.

Reviewed by FinalPay UAE Research Desk: 3 August 2026Official-source interpretation, not legal advice
Direct answer

The headline federal annual-leave entitlement is 30 days for each completed year after one year of service and two days per month after six months but before one year. The actual balance must be reconciled against leave taken, carryover and employer records.

Decision supported

The complete annual-leave authority hub

Outside this page

Sick, maternity and other specialist leave calculations

Separate entitlement from the HR balance

The statutory headline is only the starting point. The ledger must show accrual, leave used, carryover and any contractual enhancement.

  • Check continuous service dates.
  • Request the full leave ledger, not only a closing balance.
  • Separate annual leave from sick, parental and unpaid leave.

Review unused leave at termination

Unused annual leave may form a settlement line, but the days and wage basis should be shown explicitly.

  • Confirm the final eligible day count.
  • Identify the wage basis used.
  • Reconcile against prior encashments and carried days.

Resolve a disputed balance

A defensible challenge compares HR records with approvals, calendars, payslips and the contract.

  • Collect approved leave requests.
  • Mark public holidays and weekends consistently.
  • Ask payroll to show the calculation rather than only the total.

Official sources and limitations

Each source supports a defined part of this overview. It does not confirm your contract facts, payroll records or jurisdiction.

UAE Government: Annual leaveFederal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021