UAE Leave Salary and Annual Leave Calculator 2026
UAE employer tools · Updated November 2026
Work out annual leave and leave salary for a private-sector employee in the UAE. Enter the service dates, leave taken and salary. The calculator shows leave earned, the remaining balance, pay for the leave days you enter and the value of unused leave.
Results are estimates for planning. They are not legal advice.
UAE Annual Leave Rules
| Service | Annual leave |
|---|---|
| Less than 6 months | None earned yet |
| 6 months to 1 year | 2 days for each full month |
| 1 year or more | 30 days a year |
These rules come from Article 29 of Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021. Part-time staff earn leave in proportion to their hours.
How to Calculate Leave Salary
Worked example
An employee earns a basic salary of AED 8,000 and takes 30 days of leave. At AED 8,000 ÷ 30, the daily rate is AED 266.67. Thirty days of leave pay AED 8,000.
If the same employee leaves with 10 unused days, those days are worth 10 × AED 266.67 = AED 2,666.70 on basic salary.
What Employers Should Do
- Track leave accrual and balances for every employee.
- Pay leave salary through the Wage Protection System with normal payroll.
- Agree leave dates in advance and record them.
- Include unused leave in the final settlement, with gratuity.
Calculate end-of-service pay with the UAE gratuity calculator, and see the UAE labour law guide for employers.
Related Guides and Tools
UAE Leave Salary FAQs
How is leave salary calculated in the UAE?
Divide the monthly wage by 30 to get a daily rate, then multiply by the leave days. Article 29 of Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021 entitles employees to their wage during annual leave.
What is the annual leave entitlement in the UAE?
Thirty days a year after one year of service. Between six months and one year, employees earn two days for each full month.
How is unused annual leave paid when employment ends?
Unused leave is paid out at the end of employment, calculated on basic salary unless the contract is more generous.
Is housing allowance included in leave salary?
Leave pay follows the wage set out in the employment contract. Check which allowances your contract includes, and ask MOHRE if it is unclear.
Can an employer refuse to let staff take leave?
The employer can set leave dates to suit the business. It cannot stop an employee using leave accrued for more than two years.
Is annual leave earned during probation?
Leave builds up from the start of employment once six months of service are completed.