How many sick days am I entitled to in Dubai?

You can take up to 90 calendar days of sick leave per year: 15 days full pay, 30 days half pay, and 45 days unpaid.

Do I need a medical certificate for one day off?

Most companies accept one-day absences without a certificate, but rules vary. Always check your HR policy first.

Can my employer refuse my sick leave request?

They cannot refuse a valid DHA medical certificate, but they can ask for extra documentation if the absence is long or repeated.

Is sick leave paid from basic salary or total package?

Payment is calculated on basic salary only. Housing and transport allowances are excluded during sick leave.

What happens if I run out of sick leave days?

Extra days are unpaid unless your contract offers more generous benefits. You may also use annual leave with manager approval.

How to Apply for Sick Leave in Dubai 2026

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Quick answer

If you are a full-time employee in Dubai, you are entitled to 90 calendar days of paid sick leave per year. The first 15 days are fully paid, the next 30 days at half pay, and the final 45 days are unpaid. You must submit a medical certificate from a DHA-licensed doctor within two days of absence to protect your salary and job.

Who qualifies for sick leave in Dubai?

Both UAE nationals and expatriates on employment visas covered by the UAE Labour Law can claim sick leave. Freelancers, domestic workers and those on visit visas are not covered by the same rules. Always check your employment contract for any additional company-specific benefits.

Step-by-step: how to apply for sick leave in Dubai

1. Visit a DHA-licensed medical facility

Go to a government or private hospital, clinic or telehealth service approved by the Dubai Health Authority. The doctor will issue an electronic medical certificate (e-sick leave) that is automatically linked to your Emirates ID.

2. Notify your employer the same day

Send the certificate to HR via email or your company portal before the end of your shift. Most firms require notification within 24 hours. Keep the email timestamp as proof.

3. Submit the certificate officially

Upload the PDF or forward the DHA reference number through your HR system. If your company still uses paper, print the certificate and have it stamped at the clinic reception.

4. Track your leave balance in the MOHRE app

Log into the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) app or website with your Emirates ID to see how many sick days you have used and how much salary is protected.

5. Follow up with a fitness-to-work certificate

Once you recover, obtain a “fit to return” note from the same doctor if your absence exceeds seven days. Some employers require this before you resume duties.

Common mistakes that cost you salary

Waiting more than two days to submit the certificate — employers can treat the absence as unpaid leave.
Using a non-DHA-approved facility — the certificate may be rejected.
Not informing HR on the first day — companies can start disciplinary action for “unauthorised absence”.
Assuming unlimited paid sick days — the 90-day cap is strict; extra days come out of annual leave or are unpaid.

Private vs government hospitals: what to expect

Private clinics (e.g., Mediclinic, Aster, NMC) are faster for short illnesses and usually charge AED 150–300 for a consultation plus certificate. DHA primary health centres charge around AED 50 for the same service but may have longer queues. Both issue valid e-certificates recognised by MOHRE.

How much will you actually get paid?

Salary calculation is straightforward: basic salary only is used, not allowances. If your basic salary is AED 15,000, the first 15 days pay AED 7,500, the next 30 days pay AED 7,500 total (half rate), and the final 45 days are unpaid. Always confirm the exact figure with payroll.

What if your employer refuses sick leave?

Document every communication. Raise a complaint through the MOHRE app under “Labour Disputes” or call 600 500 000. Keep medical records and the original certificate. MOHRE mediation is free and usually resolves disputes within two weeks. In extreme cases you can escalate to the labour court without a lawyer.

Tips to protect your rights

Store every medical certificate in a cloud folder labelled by year.
Take photos of stamped paper certificates as backup.
If you travel outside the UAE while sick, ask the overseas doctor to email a report to your Dubai physician so a DHA certificate can still be issued.
Know your contract: some firms offer extra paid sick days above the legal minimum—ask HR for the policy in writing.

Returning to work after long-term illness

If your sick leave exceeds 30 continuous days, schedule a return-to-work meeting with HR and your line manager. Discuss any temporary adjustments such as reduced hours or remote work. Under the 2026 Labour Law, employers must consider “reasonable accommodation” requests for employees recovering from serious illness.

Key takeaway

Getting sick leave in Dubai is straightforward when you follow the DHA-MOHRE process: see an approved doctor, notify HR immediately, and upload the certificate within two days. Track your entitlements in the MOHRE app and keep records. If problems arise, MOHRE’s free mediation is your first line of defence.