Sick Leave in Dubai, UAE: Leave Policy & Medical Certificate

Understanding your rights around sick leave is essential for both employees and employers in Dubai and the wider UAE. Whether you are facing a short-term illness or a more serious health condition, knowing how much sick leave you are entitled to, when a medical certificate is required, and which authority oversees the process can help you stay informed and compliant.

This guide explains the official sick leave policy under UAE Labour Law. It also outlines the procedures for obtaining medical certificates, with a focus on Dubai, and highlights important distinctions for employees working in free zones.

Sick Leave Policy in UAE and Dubai: What You Should Know

The sick leave policy in the UAE is regulated under Federal Decree Law No. 33 of 2021, which applies to most private-sector employees across all emirates, including Dubai. This law outlines an employee’s entitlement to sick leave, eligibility requirements, and the structure of paid and unpaid leave.

Sick Leave Entitlement and Eligibility

Employees are entitled to up to 45 days of sick leave per year, once they have completed their probation period. The leave is structured as follows:

• First 15 days: Fully paid
• Next 30 days: Half paid
• Beyond 45 days: Unpaid (only with employer approval)

Sick leave is calculated on a yearly basis and does not carry over into the next calendar year. During the probation period, employees are generally not entitled to paid sick leave, unless their employer permits it under internal policy.

To qualify for paid sick leave:

• The illness must be non-work-related (workplace injuries are handled under a separate legal framework).
• The employee must notify the employer within three working days of the illness.
• A valid medical certificate must be submitted from a licensed medical professional.

Abuse of sick leave entitlements, such as submitting false certificates, can lead to disciplinary action or termination under UAE Labour Law.

Sick Leave in Dubai

While the general policy applies across the UAE, Dubai has additional procedures managed by the Dubai Health Authority (DHA):

• Medical certificates must be issued by DHA-licensed healthcare facilities.
• For sick leave lasting three or more consecutive days, the certificate must be:
  • Issued within three calendar days of the first day of absence.
  • Submitted via the DHA’s online sick leave system.
• For short-term absences (1–2 days), DHA approval may not be mandatory, but some employers still require documentation, depending on internal policies.

Dubai residents and employers can verify certificates through the DHA Sick Leave Verification Portal for authenticity.

Public Sector Note

Employees working in the public sector or under government entities in Dubai may follow different policies. For example, employees under the Dubai Government Human Resources Law could receive different sick leave entitlements compared to private-sector workers. It is important to consult your organization’s HR department or contract for specific terms.

Free Zone Variations

Some Dubai-based free zones, such as the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) or Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC) operate under separate employment regulations. These may provide different sick leave durations or documentation requirements. Always refer to your employment contract and free zone authority for clarification.

How to Get a Medical Certificate for Sick Leave in Dubai?

Obtaining a medical certificate for sick leave in Dubai is a structured process that must follow guidelines set by the Dubai Health Authority (DHA). Here is a step-by-step breakdown to help ensure your certificate is valid and compliant with labor requirements.

Step 1: Visit a DHA-Licensed Healthcare Provider

If you are unwell and anticipate being absent from work, the first step is to visit a DHA-approved hospital, clinic, or general practitioner. This must be done within three calendar days from the first day of illness, especially if your absence will extend to three or more consecutive days.

Important: Not every visit results in a sick leave certificate. The doctor will issue one only if they determine that your medical condition genuinely prevents you from working.

Step 2: Get Examined and Diagnosed

During your consultation, the doctor will examine your symptoms and, if necessary, issue a medical certificate that specifies the number of days you need to rest. The duration of the certificate depends on the severity of your condition and the doctor's judgment. In some cases, follow-up visits may be required to extend the leave period.

Step 3: DHA Submission by the Healthcare Provider

If a certificate is issued, the healthcare provider will upload it directly to the DHA’s online sick leave portal. This is a mandatory step to ensure the document is officially recognized in Dubai. You will also receive a physical or digital copy for your personal records.

Note: Some facilities may charge a small DHA processing fee, typically between AED 50–100. It's advisable to confirm this when scheduling your appointment.

Step 4: Notify Your Employer

It is your responsibility to inform your employer within three working days of your absence. You should also provide them with a copy of your medical certificate once it’s issued. Employers may have their own internal forms or leave request processes, so make sure to follow company-specific procedures as well.

Step 5: Check Certificate Validity (If Needed)

Employers can verify the authenticity of your certificate through the DHA Sick Leave Verification Portal. If you’re unsure whether your certificate has been correctly submitted, you can contact the issuing healthcare provider or check with DHA support.

Step 6: Special Cases (Free Zones or Government Jobs)

If you work in a Dubai free zone or for a government department, your sick leave documentation process may differ slightly. Some zones operate their own approval systems, and public sector entities may follow different HR laws. Always consult your HR department to understand the correct process in your organization.

Reminder: DHA-approved certificates must be issued promptly. Retroactive certificates (issued several days after recovery) are rarely accepted unless there is a valid medical reason. Submitting documentation late may result in leave being marked as unpaid or unauthorized.

Common Mistakes to Avoid While Applying for Sick Leave

Applying for sick leave in Dubai and across the UAE involves both medical and procedural steps. While the process is fairly straightforward, many employees make avoidable mistakes that can lead to rejected leave requests or unpaid days. Below are some of the most common errors to watch out for:

1. Not Submitting the Certificate on Time

One of the most frequent mistakes is delaying the submission of your sick leave certificate. Under UAE labour law and Dubai Health Authority (DHA) guidelines, the certificate must be issued within three calendar days from the start of your illness. Failure to meet this timeline may result in your leave being considered invalid, which can lead to salary deductions or disciplinary action. Always ensure that your medical visit and certificate processing happen as early as possible during your absence.

2. Using Unauthorized Clinics or Doctors

In Dubai, only DHA-licensed clinics and hospitals are authorized to issue valid sick leave certificates. Getting a certificate from an unlicensed provider — or from outside the UAE without proper legalization — can cause your employer to reject the document. To avoid this, always check that the healthcare facility is approved by the DHA before your appointment.

3. Misunderstanding Paid vs. Unpaid Sick Leave Days

Many employees assume that all sick leave is fully paid. In reality, UAE Labour Law allows for 15 days of fully paid sick leave, followed by 30 days at half pay, and then any additional days as unpaid — all within a 12-month period. Misunderstanding this structure can lead to incorrect salary expectations or disputes with HR. It's important to track how much sick leave you've used and understand how it will be compensated.

Being aware of these common pitfalls can help ensure that your sick leave is approved smoothly, without impacting your pay or professional standing. If in doubt, consult your HR department or refer to official sources like MOHRE or DHA to stay compliant.

How Can WebHR Help?

WebHR simplifies sick leave management by allowing employees to submit leave requests and upload medical certificates directly through the platform. It helps HR teams track sick leave balances, verify documentation, and stay compliant with UAE Labour Law and DHA guidelines.

As a complete and UAE compliant HR software for leave and document management, WebHR automates approvals, flags late submissions, and ensures accurate payroll adjustments based on paid and unpaid leave days. With real-time reporting and mobile access, it makes managing sick leave fast, transparent, and stress-free for both employees and HR.

Conclusion

Navigating sick leave in Dubai and the UAE doesn’t have to be complicated—especially when you understand the rules, act promptly, and follow the right process. From knowing your entitlements under UAE Labour Law to securing a valid DHA-approved medical certificate, every step matters in ensuring your leave is recognized and your rights are protected.

Whether you're an employee managing time off due to illness or an HR professional ensuring compliance, staying informed about documentation requirements, free zone variations, and submission timelines is essential. By avoiding common mistakes and using reliable tools like WebHR, you can simplify sick leave management and focus on what matters most: health, recovery, and workplace harmony.

For further clarity, always consult your HR department or refer to official authorities like MOHRE and DHA.