Last Updated on October 26, 2025
Most of the labor-related cases in the United Arab Emirates are governed by Federal Law No. 8 of 1980, also known as the Regulation of Labour Relations. According to this law, every employee has the right to take sick leave in UAE if he or she cannot perform duties due to illness.
UAE Labour Law Sick Leave Provision
Article 82
If a worker becomes sick, he or she must inform the employer within two days of the illness. After that, the employer is responsible for taking the employee to a hospital or clinic to verify the illness and provide treatment.
Article 83
This article explains when an employee is entitled to sick leave in UAE and when not.
- Employees are not entitled to sick leave during the probation period.
- The probation period lasts six months from the date of joining.
- After completing probation, employees are entitled to a maximum of 90 days of sick leave per year, as follows:
- First 15 days: Full pay.
- Next 30 days: Half pay.
- Remaining 45 days: Without pay.
Sick leave in the UAE cannot exceed 90 days in a year under any circumstances.
Article 84
An employee will not receive any pay if the illness is caused by personal misconduct such as:
- Illness resulting from alcohol consumption, or
- Sickness due to the use of narcotic drugs.
Article 85 – Contract Termination by Employer
If an employee does not return to work after 90 days of sick leave, the employer has the legal right to terminate the contract. However, the company must still pay end-of-service benefits according to UAE Labour Law.
Article 86 – Contract Termination by Employee
If an employee resigns during illness (within 45 days of leave), and the doctor confirms that the illness prevents work, the employer must accept the resignation. In this case, the worker will receive wages for the remaining period of the first 45 days.
How Sick Leave Works in UAE Companies
When an employee becomes ill, they should inform their supervisor or manager immediately.
- Some companies send transportation to take the employee to the hospital.
- Others may ask the worker to visit a doctor on their own.
After the medical check-up, the doctor issues a sick leave certificate that mentions the number of rest days required. When the employee returns to work, they must submit this certificate to HR.
According to the law:
- First 15 days: Full salary.
- Next 30 days: Half salary.
- After 45 days: No salary, up to a maximum of 90 days.
If an employer refuses to pay according to the Labour Law, employees have the right to file a complaint with MOHRE (Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation).
If the issue is not resolved through discussion, the case can move to the labour court, although that process can take a long time.
Sick Leave Without Medical Certificate UAE
Yes, it is possible to take sick leave without a medical certificate in UAE for short periods.
Some companies allow employees to take 1 or 2 days of sick leave without submitting a doctor’s certificate, especially if the worker is suffering from a mild illness like fever or a headache. However, if the leave continues for more than two days, the medical certificate becomes mandatory.
Important Note
The sick leave UAE rules mentioned above apply only to non-work-related illnesses.
If you suffer an injury or disease caused by your work, other Labour Law articles will apply — usually those related to occupational injuries and compensation.
Conclusion
The Labour Law protects both employees and employers by maintaining a fair system for sick leave. Whether you are sick or not, you must understand your labour rights under sick leave UAE.
Most companies follow the law and pay employees correctly, but when recovery takes longer, some try to avoid payment. In that case, workers can seek help from MOHRE to ensure justice.
Knowing your rights about sick leave UAE and sick leave without a medical certificate UAE helps you stay protected and make informed decisions while working in the country.
