What leave am I entitled to for Hajj in the UAE?

The UAE federal Labour Law (Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021) does not provide a standalone, automatic paid Hajj-leave entitlement for every private-sector employee in the way it provides annual or sick leave. In practice, employees who wish to perform Hajj usually do so by using their annual leave, or by arranging special leave — often unpaid — with their employer, and some employers offer a Hajj-leave benefit through company policy. Any specific Hajj-leave arrangement therefore depends largely on your contract and your employer's policy rather than a blanket statutory right. Because Hajj is time-sensitive and tied to a fixed period each year, the best approach is to request the leave well in advance and confirm in writing whether it will be treated as annual leave, unpaid special leave, or a company Hajj benefit. If your contract or company policy promises Hajj leave and it is being withheld, you can raise it with the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE). For help reviewing your contract terms, consult verified UAE legal professionals on LEXAI.