According to the UAE Labour Law for the private sector, employees of the private sector are entitled to at least one day of paid rest per week as specified in the employment contract or the company’s work regulations. Companies may grant additional rest days at their discretion. Additionally, employees are entitled to a paid leave on public holidays observed in the country.

Working during official holidays or leave days

If an employee is required to work during holidays or leaves, he will be compensated with another rest day or be paid for that day, a wage as he would be paid on a normal day plus an addition of at least 50 per cent on his basic wage. (Reference: Article 28 of the UAE Labour Law).

Related links:

• Federal Decree Law No. 33 of 2021 on the Regulation of Labour Relations in the Private Sector, as amended - MoHRE (1.3 MB, PDF)
• Working hours and over time - U.ae