Emirati employees who work for the federal government and wish to start a business can apply for one-year exceptional leave to do so, without losing their job. They will be entitled to receive 50 per cent of their salary during the leave.

Rules and conditions

The employee must fulfil all the below conditions for his leave application to be considered. He/she must:

• intend to establish an economic project in the private sector, or manage an existing project, or partner with others in a project
• obtain the approval of the federal entity he/she works for and comply with the necessary rules
• obtain the necessary approvals for the business from the competent authorities.

The goal of the leave is to encourage Emiratis to take advantage of the economic opportunities offered by the national economy.

Read news coverage on the website of Government of Dubai Media Office.

Find out more information about sabbatical for Emiratis on the website of Federal Authority for Government Human Resources.