In the UAE, the allocation of annual leave dates has sparked questions among employees, particularly those without families, who wonder if it is legal for employers to prioritize families during school breaks. According to UAE labor laws, employees are entitled to a minimum of 30 calendar days of annual leave per year of service, as stipulated in Article 29(1)(a) of the Employment Law. However, Article 29(4) grants employers the authority to determine leave dates based on operational needs, provided they notify employees at least one month in advance. This means employers can prioritize families during peak holiday periods, such as school breaks, to accommodate their needs. Nevertheless, employers must ensure that all employees receive their full annual leave entitlement within the year or allow them to carry forward at least 50% of their leave to the following year, as per Article 29(8). Employees are encouraged to discuss alternative leave dates with their employers to reach a mutually agreeable solution. Ashish Mehta, founder of Ashish Mehta & Associates, emphasizes the importance of understanding these legal provisions to navigate leave-related disputes effectively.
UAE: Is it legal for employees with families to be given priority for annual leave dates?
