Annual Leave in the UAE: 30 Days, and How Unused Days Are Paid
When you start earning annual leave, how many days in your first year, and how unused days are paid when you leave.
By the Hesab UAE team · Updated 16 October 2026 · 3 min read
Annual leave is a fixed right for every private-sector employee in the UAE, but the details make a real money difference when you leave: when you start earning it, how many days, and how unused days are paid.
How many days? (Article 29)
- 30 calendar days of paid leave a year once you've completed a year of service.
- After 6 months but before the first year is complete: 2 days for each month.
- Your contract can give you more, not less.
Unused days when you leave
They're paid when your employment ends, usually on basic salary ÷ 30. On AED 9,000 basic, a day is worth AED 300:
| Unused days | Amount owed |
|---|---|
| 5 | AED 1,500 |
| 10 | AED 3,000 |
| 20 | AED 6,000 |
| 30 | AED 9,000 |
Worth knowing
- Your employer can set the timing of your leave to suit the work, with notice to you.
- Part of your leave can be carried into the next year if you both agree and company policy allows.
- Annual leave is separate from sick leave, maternity leave and public holidays.