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Working during UAE National Day holidays? How does compensatory leave work
The law does not distinguish between senior staff and lower-grade or contract workers — protections apply to all private-sector employees
As the UAE National Day approaches, many private-sector employees are gearing up for a four-day-long weekend, but for those required to work over the holidays, the rules for compensation are clear under UAE law.
According to the UAE Labour Law, if an employee is asked to work on an official public holiday, the employer must either provide a substitute rest day or pay for that holiday as a regular working day, plus at least a 50 per cent bonus on the basic wage.
What the law says
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Article 28 of the UAE Labour Law, Official Holidays and Requiring Worker to Work Therein, outlines employees’ rights when working on holidays:
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Workers are entitled to full paid leave on official holidays declared by the Cabinet.
If work demands require them to work on those holidays, employers must compensate by giving another rest day or by paying the normal day wage plus at least 50 per cent of the basic wage for that day.
In addition, under UAE law, private-sector employees are entitled to at least one paid rest day per week, as specified in their employment contract or company regulations. Public holidays are added to that entitlement.
Why this matters now
With the holidays on December 1 and 2 (Monday and Tuesday) announced for private-sector employees, combined with the preceding weekend, many workers are anticipating a four-day break. For those still working during National Day, the law guarantees either a compensatory rest day or additional pay for the holiday.
What workers should know and expect
If you are working on National Day or any other official holiday, you do not forfeit your rights. You are legally due compensation.
Compensation means either a substitute rest day or your normal daily wage plus a 50 per cent premium on your basic wage, effectively 1.5 times your basic wage.
The law does not distinguish between senior staff and lower-grade or contract workers — protections apply to all private-sector employees.
Realities in practice
Ghina El Naber, HR consultant, said many employees still do not realise they must either take a substitute day off or receive extra pay for working on official holidays.
“The law is clear. Working on a public holiday should never be treated like a normal shift. Some workers, especially in retail and hospitality, accept it as part of the job. They do not ask questions. But they are entitled to compensation and should check their pay slips. If it is not reflected, they can raise it through the right channels,” she said.
What if an employer does not comply
Workers who believe they have not received due compensation can file a complaint with the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE). Labour disputes tribunals are empowered to hear such cases, and jurisprudence generally upholds strict compliance with Article 28.
Takeaway for employees
If you end up working this National Day, or any public holiday, check your pay slip. You should either see an extra rest day added, or confirmation of holiday pay at least 1.5 times your regular wage. If neither appears, you have the right to lodge a complaint with MoHRE.
A Cabinet resolution that took effect on January 1, 2025, allows certain public holidays in the UAE to be transferred to the start or end of the week if they fall on a weekday. While an earlier announcement had set Tuesday, December 2, and Wednesday, December 3, as paid holidays for Eid Al Etihad, this year the holidays have been moved to Monday, December 1, and Tuesday, December 2.
Waad Barakat
Waad Barakat is a Special Correspondent covering security topics, from law enforcement to local courts. With a keen eye for human interest stories, she hopes to blend it all with unique Gen Z-inspired content.
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