How does sick leave work under UAE Labour Law?

Under the UAE Labour Law (Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021), after completing your probation period you are entitled to sick leave of up to 90 days per year, which can be continuous or intermittent. To claim it, you must notify your employer of your illness, usually within a short period, and provide a medical report from an approved medical authority. The 90 days are paid in bands rather than all at full pay: the first 15 days are at full wage, the next 30 days at half wage, and the remaining period without pay. Sick leave is intended for genuine illness supported by medical evidence, and an employer should not penalise you for taking properly documented sick leave within your entitlement. If your illness results from your own misconduct, the pay rules can differ. If your employer refuses documented sick leave or withholds the pay due, you can raise the issue with the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE), or seek help from verified UAE legal professionals on LEXAI.