Do part-time and flexible workers get annual leave in the UAE?

Yes. The UAE Labour Law (Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021) introduced several work models beyond the traditional full-time contract, including part-time, temporary and flexible work, and employees on these models are still entitled to leave — but the amount of paid annual leave is generally calculated in proportion to the hours actually worked. So a part-time employee earns annual leave on a pro-rata basis rather than the full 30 days a full-time employee receives after a year. The exact entitlement depends on the ratio of your working hours to a full-time schedule, which should be reflected in your contract. Other protections, such as the right to a documented contract and to be paid correctly, apply to part-time staff too. The practical step is to ask your employer for a written calculation of your pro-rata leave based on your contracted hours. If your part-time leave is being denied or miscalculated, you can raise it with the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE), or compare verified UAE legal professionals on LEXAI for advice.