Sick leave is the paid time off a UAE employee can take when illness stops them working. After probation you get up to 90 days a year. The pay tapers. The first 15 days are on full pay. The next 30 days are on half pay. The last 45 days are unpaid.
Article 31 of Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021 sets the rule. Report the illness within three days and provide a medical certificate.
There is no paid sick leave during probation. If a worker cannot return after 90 days, the employer may end the contract in line with the law.
Set one clear rule for notifying absence. Log every medical certificate properly.
Watch for patterns. Repeated short absences often point to workload or wellbeing, not illness. A fair, well-run policy protects both sides. Keep it in your HR policies.
Last updated: July 2026 | Reviewed by Tuscan Consulting, Dubai