Can my employer terminate me while I am on sick leave in the UAE?

UAE Labour Law (Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021) gives workers a defined sick-leave entitlement and restricts dismissal connected to it. Generally, an employer should not terminate a worker because the worker is using their lawful sick leave, and the law provides a sick-leave allowance structure with paid and reduced-pay phases up to a maximum number of days per year, after which different rules apply. If a worker exhausts their sick-leave entitlement and is still unable to return, the contract may be ended in line with the law, with the worker keeping the end-of-service and other dues they qualify for. A dismissal timed to penalise a worker for taking legitimate sick leave can be challenged as unlawful. To protect yourself, ensure your sick leave is supported by proper medical certificates and notify the employer as required. Keep records of your leave and medical documentation. If you are dismissed during genuine sick leave, you can raise the matter with MOHRE and compare verified UAE legal professionals on LEXAI to assess whether the termination was lawful in your circumstances.