Application for Sick Leave: UAE Formats & Examples

A sick leave application is a short, direct message informing your employer that you are unwell and unable to work, along with the expected duration of your absence. Here is a ready sample:

"Dear [Manager's Name], I am unwell and unable to come to work today. I expect to return by [date] and will share a medical certificate as soon as I visit the doctor. Please let me know if anything urgent needs my attention."

Quick Summary

• A sick leave application is a formal notice of illness informing your employer of your absence and expected return date.
• Best format: Email, WhatsApp, or company HR system — all are accepted, with WhatsApp common for same-day notice.
• Medical certificate required: Yes, usually within 3 days of the absence.
• UAE Labour Law reference: Article 31, Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021.
• Entitlement: Up to 90 days of sick leave per year after probation — 15 days full pay, 30 days half pay, and 45 days unpaid.
• Notify your manager as early in the day as possible, ideally before your shift starts.
• Employers cannot reject genuine sick leave supported by a valid medical certificate.

Sick Leave Application at a Glance

What Is a Sick Leave Application?

Why It Is Important

A sick leave application creates a clear record of the reason for absence, protects the employee's pay entitlement, and helps the employer plan for coverage during the leave period.

How to Write a Sick Leave Application

Keep it brief. State that you are unwell, mention the expected return date if known, and note that a medical certificate will follow. Notify your manager as early in the day as possible, ideally before your shift starts.

Sick Leave Application Format

Formal Letter Format

Date To: [Manager's Name], [Designation] Subject: Sick Leave Application

Dear [Manager's Name],

I am writing to inform you that I am unwell and unable to attend work from [start date]. I expect to resume duties by [expected return date] and will submit a medical certificate upon my return. Please let me know if any urgent matters need attention in my absence.

Thank you, [Employee Name]

Professional Email Format

Subject: Sick Leave – [Employee Name]

Hi [Manager's Name],

I am feeling unwell and will not be able to come in today. I will keep you updated on my recovery and share a medical certificate once I see a doctor. Please reach out to [colleague] for anything urgent.

Best regards, [Employee Name]

WhatsApp Message

"Hi [Manager], I'm not feeling well today and won't be able to come in. Will update you tomorrow. Thank you."

Short Message for One Day

"Hi [Manager], I'm down with a fever and will be on sick leave today. Will share the medical certificate once I visit the clinic."

Sick Leave Application Samples

One-Day Sick Leave

"I am unwell today and unable to work. I will resume duties tomorrow and share my medical certificate if required."

Two-Day Sick Leave

"I am unwell and need to rest for the next two days, from [date] to [date]. I will submit a medical certificate upon my return."

Fever

"I have a high fever and have been advised rest by my doctor. I will be on sick leave from [date] and will share the medical certificate."

Migraine

"I am experiencing a severe migraine and am unable to work today. I will update you if I need additional rest."

Stomach Infection

"I have a stomach infection and need to rest at home. I expect to return by [date] and will share the medical certificate."

Dental Surgery

"I have a scheduled dental procedure on [date] and will need the day off to recover. I will provide the medical certificate from my dentist."

Eye Infection

"I have developed an eye infection and have been advised to avoid screen work for a few days. I will be on sick leave from [date] to [date]."

Back Pain

"I am experiencing severe back pain and have been advised bed rest. I will share the medical certificate once I visit the doctor."

Viral Fever

"I have been diagnosed with viral fever and need to rest for [X] days as advised by my doctor. Medical certificate to follow."

Child's Illness (if company policy allows)

"My child is unwell and requires my care today. I would like to request leave and will make up any pending work upon my return."

Extended Sick Leave

"Following my recent hospitalization, I will need extended sick leave from [start date] to [end date], as advised by my doctor. I have attached the medical report for your reference."

Post-Surgery Recovery

"I underwent surgery on [date] and require recovery time as advised by my doctor. I will be on sick leave until [date] and will share the medical documentation."

Return-to-Work Note

"I am feeling better and will resume work from [date]. Thank you for your understanding during my absence."

Sick Leave Under UAE Labour Law

Entitlement

Employees are entitled to up to 90 days of sick leave a year after completing probation, paid as 15 days full pay, 30 days half pay, and 45 days unpaid.

Documentation

A medical certificate from a licensed medical authority is required, typically submitted within 3 days of the absence, to support the sick leave claim.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Delaying notification to the employer, failing to submit a medical certificate on time, and using vague reasons instead of clearly stating that the absence is due to illness are common issues that can affect approval and pay.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I write a simple sick leave application?

State clearly that you are unwell, mention the expected duration, and note that a medical certificate will follow. Keep it short and direct.

Is a medical certificate mandatory for sick leave in the UAE?

Yes, it is required under UAE Labour Law, typically within 3 days of the absence.

How many days of sick leave are allowed under UAE Labour Law?

Up to 90 days a year after probation, paid in stages: 15 days full pay, 30 days half pay, and 45 days unpaid.

Can an employer reject a sick leave application?

An employer cannot reject genuine sick leave supported by a valid medical certificate.

What is the difference between a sick leave application and a medical leave application?

The terms are generally used interchangeably to describe leave taken due to illness or medical treatment.

Can I apply for sick leave during my probation period?

Yes, but the paid sick leave entitlement under the law formally applies once probation is complete. During probation, absence due to illness is typically handled per company policy.

What are the best subject lines for a sick leave email?

"Sick Leave – [Employee Name]" or "Sick Leave Notification for [Date]" work well and are clear for quick reference.

Can I use the same sick leave application format for every situation?

Yes, the core structure stays the same. Only the reason and expected return date need to change based on the specific illness or situation.