Knowing your rights around sick leave is essential for both employees and employers in Dubai and across the UAE. Whether you’re dealing with a short-term illness or a more serious medical issue, understanding how much sick leave you’re entitled to, when you need a medical certificate, and which authorities regulate the process will help you stay informed and compliant with UAE labour laws.

This guide breaks down the official sick leave rules under UAE Labour Law, explains how to obtain a DHA-approved medical certificate in Dubai, and highlights important differences for employees working in free zones.

Sick Leave in the UAE Policy: Key Rules You Should Know

Sick leave in the UAE is governed by Federal Decree Law No. 33 of 2021, which applies to most private-sector employees, including those in Dubai. The law outlines your annual sick leave entitlement, eligibility requirements, and how paid and unpaid days are structured.

Sick Leave Entitlement and Eligibility in the UAE

Employees are entitled to up to 45 days of sick leave per year after completing their probation period:

• First 15 days: Fully paid
• Next 30 days: Half pay
• After 45 days: Unpaid (subject to employer approval)

Sick leave is calculated annually and does not carry over into the next year. During probation, employees generally do not qualify for paid sick leave unless their company allows it under internal policy.

To qualify for paid sick leave:

• Your illness must not be work-related (workplace injuries are covered under separate rules).
• You must notify your employer within three working days of falling ill.
• You must submit a valid medical certificate from a licensed medical professional.

Submitting false or invalid documentation can lead to disciplinary action under UAE Labour Law.

Sick Leave in Dubai: DHA-Specific Requirements

Although the UAE’s general sick leave rules apply to all emirates, Dubai has additional requirements overseen by the Dubai Health Authority (DHA).

Key Dubai-specific rules:

• Medical certificates must come from DHA-licensed clinics or hospitals.
• For sick leave of three days or more, the certificate must be:
  • Issued within three calendar days of the first missed day
  • Submitted through the DHA’s electronic sick leave system
• For 1–2 day absences, DHA approval may not be mandatory, but many employers still require documentation.

Employees and employers can verify certificates online using the DHA Sick Leave Verification Portal.

Sick Leave Rules for Public Sector and Free Zones

Public Sector (Dubai Government)

Government employees in Dubai may follow different sick leave policies under the Dubai Government Human Resources Law. Always check your employment contract or HR policy for details.

Free Zones (DIFC, DMCC, etc.)

Some free zones have their own employment regulations, which may include:

• Different sick leave entitlements
• Specific rules for medical certificates
• Independent approval systems

Always refer to your contract or free zone guidelines for clarity.

How to Get a DHA-Approved Medical Certificate for Sick Leave in Dubai

Obtaining a valid medical certificate is essential for approved and paid sick leave in Dubai. Here’s how the process works:

Step 1: Visit a DHA-Licensed Provider

Consult a DHA-approved clinic or hospital within three days from the first day of illness, especially if you expect to take three or more consecutive sick leave days.

Step 2: Doctor’s Examination

The doctor will assess your condition and decide whether you qualify for a sick leave certificate and how many days you need to rest.

Step 3: DHA Submission

If approved, the clinic uploads your certificate directly to the DHA sick leave system. You’ll also receive a copy for your records. A processing fee (usually AED 50–100) may apply.

Step 4: Notify Your Employer

Inform your employer within three working days and submit your certificate through your company’s leave system.

Step 5: Check Certificate Validity

Your employer can verify the certificate online. Contact your clinic or DHA if you need confirmation of submission.

Step 6: Special Cases

If you work in a free zone or government department, your sick leave documentation process may differ slightly. Always follow your organization's HR guidelines.

Note: Retroactive certificates are rarely accepted unless medically justified.

Common Mistakes When Applying for Sick Leave in the UAE

1. Submitting the Certificate Late

Certificates must be issued within three days of your first day of illness. Late submission can result in unpaid or rejected sick leave.

2. Using Non-DHA-Approved Clinics

In Dubai, only DHA-licensed facilities can issue valid sick leave certificates. Certificates issued abroad may require attestation.

3. Misunderstanding Paid vs. Unpaid Leave

Some employees assume all sick leave is paid, but the law clearly outlines:

• 15 days full pay
• 30 days half pay
• Remaining days unpaid

Misunderstanding this can impact salary and HR records.

Sick Leave Without a Medical Certificate in the UAE

Under UAE Labour Law, paid sick leave is only granted if you provide a valid medical certificate. Without one:

• Absence may be considered unpaid or unauthorized
• Employer approval becomes discretionary
• Repeated undocumented absences may lead to disciplinary action or termination
• Free zones may have additional rules

In Dubai, DHA certificates are mandatory for three or more consecutive sick leave days. Some employers may accept 1–2 days without a certificate, but this is a company-specific choice, not a legal requirement.

Key takeaway: To avoid payroll deductions or HR disputes, it’s best to obtain a medical certificate even for short absences.

Sick Leave Without a Certificate: When It Might Be Accepted

Some employers allow uncertified sick days in specific situations:

• Company policy may provide limited “self-certified” sick leave for 1–2 days.
• Emergency situations where accessing a clinic is not immediately possible.
• Alternative proof, such as pharmacy receipts or telemedicine records, may sometimes be accepted.

However, uncertified sick leave is usually deducted from annual leave or treated as unpaid.

Tip: Always communicate with your employer promptly and provide any supporting evidence to avoid an absence being marked as unauthorized.

Employee Responsibilities and Preventing Sick Leave Abuse in the UAE

Employees play an important role in ensuring sick leave is used responsibly and in line with UAE Labour Law. Timely communication and proper documentation are essential.

Misusing sick leave, including providing false medical certificates, is considered a violation of labour regulations and can result in serious penalties such as warnings, suspension, or termination.

To stay compliant, employees should keep the following responsibilities in mind:

1. Notify Your Employer Promptly

Employees must inform their employer of their illness as soon as possible, ideally within 48 hours of being absent. Early notification helps ensure the sick leave request is processed smoothly.

2. Submit a Valid Medical Certificate

A medical certificate issued by a licensed healthcare provider must be submitted within the required timeframe. Without proper documentation, sick leave may be marked as unpaid or unauthorized.

3. Be Honest and Transparent

Employees should never submit fake or altered certificates. Providing false documentation is considered sick leave abuse and can lead to disciplinary action under UAE Labour Law.

4. Follow Company Procedures

Every employer may have internal rules for applying for sick leave, including forms, portals, or approval steps. Employees must follow these procedures to avoid delays or rejection of their request.

5. Respect Sick Leave Limits

Sick leave should be used only when genuinely needed. Employees must stay within the legally allotted number of days and avoid patterns that may appear as misuse.

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