Do I get paid for unused annual leave when I leave my job in the UAE?

Yes. Under the UAE Labour Law (Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021), when your employment ends — whether by resignation, termination or expiry of contract — you are entitled to be paid for any annual leave you accrued but did not take. This payment is part of your end-of-service settlement, alongside any gratuity and outstanding wages. The cash value of accrued leave is calculated based on your wage as defined by the law; the leave-encashment component is generally calculated on the basic wage, so confirm the exact basis with your employer or MOHRE for your contract. You should receive a clear breakdown of how the figure was reached. If your final settlement omits accrued leave or the calculation looks wrong, you can request a written explanation and, if unresolved, file a complaint with the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE). Because end-of-service math combines several elements, it is worth checking each line. You can compare verified UAE legal professionals on LEXAI if you need help reviewing your settlement.