The amount of paid time off an employee is entitled to for a variety of reasons, including vacation, illness, personal matters, and maternity and paternity leave, is referred to as leave entitlement. Employee leave entitlements are governed by labor laws in the UAE, GCC, and KSA, which establish minimum requirements for leave.
According to the UAE Labour Law, employees in the UAE have the right to annual leave, sick leave, maternity leave, paternity leave, and other types of leave. Employees are qualified for 30 calendar days of annual leave after completing one year of continuous service with their employer. Employees are also entitled to sick leave, the amount of which varies according to service length. Female employees are entitled to 45 days of maternity leave before and 45 days after the expected delivery date. There is a right to three days of paternity leave for male employees.
Employees in the KSA have the right to annual leave, sick time, and other types of leave. 21 calendar days of annual leave are granted to employees who have worked for their employer for less than five years, while 30 calendar days of annual leave are granted to employees who have worked for their employer for five years or more. Employees are also entitled to sick leave, the amount of which varies according to service length. Female employees are entitled to ten weeks of maternity leave.
Leave entitlements in the GCC may differ by country and the applicable labor laws. Employers need to be aware of their employees' specific leave entitlements and ensure that they adhere to all applicable labor laws. Compliance with labor laws regarding leave entitlements can have a negative impact on employee morale and retention as well as result in legal action.