Leave Salary Calculation in the UAE – Step-by-Step Simple Method
Daily Wage: AED
Leave Days:
Months:
Are you an employee in UAE and want to calculate your leave salary? Then no need to worry more about it because we are going to discuss the leave salary calculation in the UAE in detail. By reading our post you can find out your leave salary easily by yourself. This method can help you avoid confusion and financial loss whether you’re planning your annual leave or quitting a job.
What is Leave Salary in the UAE?
A leave of absence is a time that an employee is authorized to take off from work. It may or may not be paid. The main goal of leave salary calculation is to guarantee that an employee receives compensation for the authorized time off from work. In accordance with employment contracts and local labor laws it is typically computed using their base pay and any additional allowances that may be applicable. Leave salaries are generally considered a form of paid time off (PTO). PTO however is a more general term that encompasses all paid leave including holidays.

Who is eligible for leave salary in the UAE?
This is the eligibility criteria for getting leave salary:
Who service period has ended
- After six months of service employees are eligible for annual leave.
- An employee is entitled to two days of leave per month if they have worked fewer than a year. Employees are entitled to thirty days of annual leave after a full year.
Full-time workers
- Generally speaking full-time workers with a valid employment contract are eligible for leave pay.
- Contractual terms may differ for temporary or part-time employees.
Current Work Status
- When taking time off employees must be working.
- Depending on corporate policy those who are serving notice periods might still be qualified.
Type of Contract
- Unlimited or Limited.
- Leave salary is available to employees under both limited and unlimited contracts.
- Regardless of the type of contract the entitlement is the same.
Unused Leave (Encashment of Leave)
- An employee may be entitled to leave salary compensation (encashment) if they do not utilize their annual leave.
- This usually applies when:. The worker is let go or quits. Leave is not used within the allotted time.
Difference between leave salary and basic salary?
Now we are here going to explain leave and basic salary differences for you so that your concept will be more clear about leave salary calculation.
What Is a Basic Salary?
The fixed core amount an employee receives under their employment contract is known as their basic salary. Bonuses for housing and transportation are not included. This sum serves as the basis for figuring out other benefits like leave pay and gratuity.
What’s the Leave Salary?
The money you receive while on yearly leave is known as your leave salary. Depending on your contract and company policy it is typically determined by adding certain fixed allowances to your base pay. Your basic salary is your regular monthly pay (not including allowances).

The goal
While a leave salary guarantees that you are paid even when you are on leave a basic salary rewards your labor.
Utilization in computations
While leave salary calculation is computed specifically for paid leave periods, basic salary is used to compute end-of-service benefits like gratuity.
What Does Annual Leave Mean Under UAE Labor Law?
Employee rights with regard to annual leave and compensation are well defined by UAE labor law.
Leave Entitlement After 6 Months
Employees who have completed their work period more than 6 months are eligible for this.
Leave Entitlement After 1 Year
1. Employees receive the following after a full year.
2. 30 paid vacation days annually.
Leave Rules for Part-Time Employees
Leave is computed in proportion to working hours. Terms are determined by the employment agreement.
How to calculate leave salary in the UAE?
Because leave salary is directly governed by labor laws it must be calculated with precision and accuracy. The length of an employee’s annual leave entitlement and their salary are typically used to determine leave salary calculation.
Step 1: Calculate the Daily Wage Formula
Divide your monthly salary by 30 days for getting daily wages.
Step 2: Multiply by Leave Days
Multiply your daily wage by the number of holidays
Example: Resignation After 8 Months
- Monthly salary: AED 3,000
- Daily wage: 3,000 ÷ 30 = AED 100
- Leave earned: 2 days × 8 months = 16 days
- Leave salary: 100 × 16 = AED 1,600
Leave salary calculation in the UAE Example
Salary | Months worked | Leave days | Daily wage | Total leave salary |
3000 | 8 | 16 | 100 | 1600 |
500 | 12 | 30 | 166 | 500 |
Leave salary calculation in the UAE for Unused
If an employee does not take off from the word during leave holidays then he or she can get unused leave payment.
Payment for Accrued but Unused Leave
If leave is not used then it is also considered during leave salary calculation :
- It must be paid in cash (leave encashment)
- Applicable during resignation or termination
Example: Unused Leave Settlement
- Unused leave: 10 days
- Daily wage: AED 150
- Payment: 150 × 10 = AED 1,500
Settlement Calculation
Unused Days | Daily wage | Total payment |
10 | 150 | 1500 |
20 | 200 | 4000 |
Leave salary calculation in the UAE for Different Employment Types
There are some laws that can be different for multiple employment types while calculating leave salary calculation.
Full-Time Employees
According to labor law full-time workers in the United Arab Emirates are entitled to the most extensive leave benefits. After one year of continuous service they usually receive thirty calendar days of paid annual leave. Depending on corporate policy a full-time employee’s leave pay is determined by adding their base pay to any applicable benefits like housing. This guarantees that workers can take time off without worrying about money while still receiving a steady salary.
Part-Time Employees
Because part-timers work fewer hours than full-timers their leave salary is determined differently. Their annual leave entitlement is calculated pro rata which means that it is based on how many hours they work in comparison to full-time employees. For instance a part-time employee is typically entitled to 50% of the leave days and associated leave salary if they complete 50% of the working hours of a full-time position. This strategy aligns benefits with actual working time while guaranteeing fairness.
Limited vs Unlimited Contracts
Regarding annual leave entitlements, limited (fixed-term) and unlimited (open-ended) contracts are treated equally under UAE labor law. The same leave benefits such as paid yearly leave and leave salary are available to employees under both contract types. The length of service is more important than the nature of the contract. This standardization guarantees that workers are treated equally and makes it easier to calculate leave compensation under various employment contracts.
When Is Leave Salary Paid in the UAE?
In the United Arab Emirates the majority of businesses process leave salary payments a few days before the employee departs either as a separate payment or in conjunction with the regular payroll cycle. Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021 employees are entitled to clearly defined leave benefits. This guarantees that workers can access their money prior to taking time off or traveling. However if an employee accumulates their annual leave instead of using it the leave salary may be paid as cash compensation at a later date either when the leave is cashed or at the time of final settlement upon resignation or termination.
Various Types of Paid Leave in the UAE
In the UAE paid and unpaid days off are the two main categories for leaves. An explanation of each kind of leave and how it is computed can be found below.
Study time off
If the requirements are satisfied employees are entitled to ten working days of study leave annually.
Caring Leave
The loss of a family member is eligible for paid leave. When a grandparent or sibling passes away there is typically a 3-day compassionate leave and a 5-day leave for a child or spouse.
Maternity Leave – 60 Days
According to Article 30 of the UAE Labour Law female employees are entitled to a 60-day maternity leave during which they will be paid in full for the first 45 days and in half for the final 15. 45 more days of unpaid leave are permitted if the mother encounters difficulties. The baby may be eligible for an additional 30 days of paid leave as well as a 30-day unpaid extension if they experience any health problems or disabilities.
Bereavement Leave
If a close family member passes away employees in the United Arab Emirates are entitled to bereavement leave. Depending on the relationship with the deceased the duration usually falls between three and five days. For instance when a spouse, parent or child passes away workers may be granted additional days off giving them time to grieve and take care of personal issues.
Study Leave – 10 Working Days
Workers can take up to 10 working days of study leave annually if they are enrolled in educational programs in the United Arab Emirates. Exam attendance is the only purpose for which this leave is granted and it is contingent upon meeting certain requirements such as having worked for the company for a minimum amount of time. Study leave ensures job continuity while fostering academic and professional development.
National Service Leave
11 months to multiple years. Only UAE citizens who are obligated to serve in the armed forces are eligible for national service leave. Depending on personal circumstances and qualifications the duration may vary from 11 months to several years. Employees have the right to keep their jobs during this time and employers have to abide by the law regarding pay and job security.
According to Article 44 UAE Labour Law there are 13 to 15 public holidays annually for UAE employees. The government announces these fully paid holidays every year. Religious and national holidays are public holidays that allow workers to relax and celebrate without having their pay reduced.
Paternity Leave – 5 Working Days
Mothers and fathers are entitled to five days of fully paid leave during the first six months following the birth of their child. In the UAE mothers have maternity leave in addition to parental leave. The purpose of this clause is to assist both parents in developing a bond and providing care for their infant.
Nursing pauses
Up to six months after giving birth women are entitled to additional paid breaks for nursing (one to two hours per day).
Leave Salary vs End of Service Benefits
Leave Salary UAE:
End-of-Service:
Gratuity Formula:
Use a Gratuity Calculator in UAE to estimate end-of-service benefits accurately.
Ensuring Compliance with UAE Labour Law
Employer Obligations
- Grant leave as per law
- Pay leave salary on time
- Maintain accurate records
Employee Responsibilities
- Apply for leave properly
- Follow company policies
- Track leave balance
Importance of Compliance
- Avoids legal penalties
- Ensures fair workplace practices
- Builds trust between employer and employee
Leave salary calculation in the UAE– Estimate Your Payment
Example Scenario:
- Monthly salary: AED 4,000
- Leave days: 20
Step 1: Calculate Daily Wage
- 4000 ÷ 30 = AED 133.33
Step 2: Calculate Leave Salary
- 133.33 × 20 = AED 2,666.60
Conclusion
According to the Article 29 UAE Labour Law in the United Arab Emirates, leave salary is a fundamental employee right that is regulated by labor law. Knowing how your leave salary is determined will help you avoid confusion and guarantee that you receive your full entitlement whether you are planning a vacation or quitting your job.
