UAE Annual Leave Calculator
Work out how many annual-leave days you have accrued — instantly, per UAE Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021, Article 29
Annual leave calculator
Quick answer
In the UAE, you earn 30 days of paid annual leave a year — 2.5 days for every month of service — once you complete one year. Between six and twelve months you accrue 2 days a month; below six months there is no statutory entitlement. This calculator works out how many leave days you have accrued and how many remain after leave you have already taken (Federal Decree-Law 33/2021, Art. 29).
At a glance
- After 1 year
- 30 days/year (2.5/month)
- 6–12 months
- 2 days/month
- Under 6 months
- No statutory leave
- Law
- Decree-Law 33/2021, Art. 29
How UAE annual leave accrues
Article 29 of Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021 sets annual-leave entitlement in three bands. Once you complete a full year you earn 30 calendar days a year, which works out to 2.5 days for each month worked. Between six and twelve months of service you accrue two days a month, and below six months there is no statutory entitlement.
To find your balance, this calculator applies the rule to your months of service and subtracts any annual leave you have already taken.
How your leave balance is worked out
- 1
Count your service months
From your start date to today (or your leaving date).
- 2
Apply the entitlement rule
2.5 days per month after one year, or 2 days per month for 6–12 months.
- 3
Subtract leave taken
Deduct the days you have already used.
- 4
Read your balance
The result is your remaining accrued annual leave.
Worked examples
2 years of service, 10 days taken
- Accrued: 2.5 × 24 = 60 days
- Remaining: 60 − 10 = 50 days
9 months of service
- 6–12 month band: 2 days/month
- Accrued: 2 × 9 = 18 days
Frequently asked questions
How many annual leave days do I get in the UAE?
Thirty calendar days a year once you complete one year — 2.5 days for each month of service. Between six and twelve months you accrue two days a month.
Do I get leave in my first six months?
There is no statutory annual-leave entitlement below six months of service, though your contract may grant more.
Are weekends counted in annual leave?
UAE annual leave is set in calendar days, and public holidays or rest days that fall inside a leave period are treated per the executive regulations and your contract.
What happens to leave I don’t take?
Unused leave is paid out on your basic wage when you leave — use the leave salary calculator for that amount.
Does this apply in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and the free zones?
Yes for onshore employers and most free zones, which follow the federal MOHRE law of 30 days a year across Dubai, Abu Dhabi and every emirate. The two financial free zones — DIFC and ADGM — set their own minimum, commonly 20 working days a year, so check your contract if you work there.
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