Sick leave is paid time off granted to an employee when they are unable to work due to illness or injury. In the UAE, it is mandatory under Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021 - up to 90 days per year after probation: first 15 days full pay, next 30 half pay, final 45 unpaid.
Quick Summary
- What is it: Sick leave in the UAE is a statutory entitlement that grants employees paid time off for illness or injury.
- How many days: Up to 90 calendar days per year (applicable only after completing the probationary period).
- Mandatory? Yes, under Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021 for mainland private sector employees.
- Paid? Partially. First 15 days at full pay, next 30 days at half pay, final 45 days unpaid.
- Medical Certificate: Required. Absences without one may be marked unpaid or unauthorized.
- Key rule: Sick leave entitlement only kicks in after completing the probationary period.
A sick leave application in the UAE requires understanding both the legal framework and the documentation process. Whether you have a sudden illness, a planned surgery, or a medical emergency, submitting your leave correctly ensures you receive your entitled pay. In this guide, you will find the UAE sick leave rules, attestation requirements, and ready-to-use application templates.
What Is Sick Leave?
If you are wondering what sick leave means in the UAE context, it is paid (and partially unpaid) time off granted when an employee is unable to work due to illness or injury. Unlike casual leave, sick leave is not for personal errands or family events — it is specifically tied to a medical condition and requires a valid certificate from a licensed healthcare provider.
The entitlement resets on the employee's joining anniversary, not the calendar year.
Is Sick Leave Mandatory? (Rules in the UAE)
Understanding sick leave rules is important for maintaining compliance with UAE labour law. Yes, sick leave is a statutory right. Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021 governs sick leave for mainland private sector employees. Free zones such as the DIFC and ADGM maintain their own frameworks.
| Law / Jurisdiction | Applies To | Sick Leave Provision |
|---|---|---|
| Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021 | UAE mainland private sector | 90 days per year (after probation) |
| DIFC Employment Law | DIFC free zone employees | Up to 60 working days |
| ADGM Employment Regulations | ADGM free zone employees | Separate framework applies |
| Probationary employees | All mainland sectors | No statutory paid sick leave |
Regarding sick leave rules for UAE mainland employees, entitlement begins only after the probation period is successfully completed.
How Many Sick Leave Days Do You Get in a Year?
If you are asking how many sick leave days in a year you are entitled to, mainland UAE employees get up to 90 calendar days per year after completing probation. The pay structure is tiered across three brackets.
| Sick Leave Period | Salary Entitlement |
|---|---|
| Days 1 to 15 | 100% Full Pay |
| Days 16 to 45 | 50% Half Pay |
| Days 46 to 90 | Unpaid Leave |
Unlike casual leave, unused sick leave does not carry forward or get encashed — it resets on your work anniversary.
Common Sick Leave Reasons
Employees submit a sick leave application when they are medically unfit to work. Common sick leave reasons include:
- Viral infections, fever, or flu.
- Post-surgery recovery or hospitalisation.
- Chronic condition flare-ups requiring rest.
- Unexpected medical emergencies.
- Specialist appointments requiring a full day off.
- Mental health conditions certified by a licensed practitioner.
Medical Certificates & Sick Leave Attestation
A medical certificate is mandatory for sick leave in the UAE. Without one, your employer can deduct the days from your annual leave or mark them as unpaid. Attestation is handled by different health authorities depending on your emirate.
| Emirate / Region | Authority | Certificate & Attestation Process |
|---|---|---|
| Dubai | Dubai Health Authority (DHA) | Doctors issue certificates electronically via the DHA portal. Employers perform DHA sick leave verification directly via the system to ensure the DHA sick leave certificate is authentic. |
| Abu Dhabi | Department of Health (DOH) | For an Abu Dhabi sick leave certificate, the process is overseen by the DOH via the TAMM platform. HR professionals use the HAAD sick leave login or TAMM portal to verify a DOH sick leave request. |
| Northern Emirates (Sharjah, Ajman, etc.) | Ministry of Health & Prevention (MOHAP) | For Sharjah, Ajman, and other emirates, the Ministry handles all MOH sick leave. You must request MOH sick leave attestation through their official e-services. |
How to Write a Sick Leave Application for Office
A good sick leave application gives your manager and HR team the information they need to process your leave and arrange cover. While urgency may limit how much you can write upfront, a formal email or portal submission should follow your clinic visit.
Your sick leave application format should include:
- Subject Line: Clear and concise.
- Greeting: (e.g., Dear [Manager's Name],)
- Body: State you are unwell, the dates, and the duration of leave needed.
- Documentation: Mention that a medical certificate will be or has been attached.
- Work Handover: Note who will cover your responsibilities.
- Sign-off: (e.g., Regards, [Your Name])
(Note: Most HRMS portals in the UAE have a built-in sick leave form with a document upload field, removing the need for a separate email in many cases.)
6 Sick Leave Application Samples for Office
Here are 6 ready-to-use templates for a sick leave application that you can adapt for quick submission.
Sample 1: Standard sick leave email sample
Subject: Sick Leave Request – [Your Name] – [Date]
Dear [Manager's Name],
I am writing to inform you that I am unwell today and unable to attend the office. I am visiting the clinic and will share the official medical certificate once issued.
[Colleague's Name] is aware of my pending tasks and will handle any urgent matters.
Regards, [Your Name] | [Employee ID] | [Department]
Sample 2: Extended sick leave application
Subject: Extended Sick Leave Application – [Your Name]
Dear [Manager's Name],
I am writing to formally apply for sick leave from [Start Date] to [End Date] ([X] days) due to a medical condition. My attested medical certificate is attached for your records.
I have briefed [Colleague's Name] on my ongoing responsibilities and will be reachable for urgent queries at [Phone Number].
Sincerely, [Your Name] | [Employee ID]
Sample 3: Sick leave for a family member's medical emergency
Subject: Sick Leave Application – Family Medical Emergency
Dear [Manager's Name],
I request [X] days of leave from [Start Date] to [End Date] to attend to a medical emergency involving a close family member. I will provide relevant documentation upon my return.
[Colleague's Name] will cover my responsibilities in my absence.
Yours Sincerely, [Your Name]
Sample 4: Half-day sick leave application
Subject: Half Day Sick Leave – [Your Name] – [Date]
Dear [Manager's Name],
I am requesting a half day sick leave today ([Date]) for the morning session due to a medical appointment. I will be in the office by [Time].
Regards, [Your Name] | [Employee ID] | [Department]
Sample 5: Sick leave for post-surgery recovery
Subject: Sick Leave Application – Post-Surgery Recovery
Dear [Manager's Name],
I am writing to apply for sick leave from [Start Date] to [End Date] following a surgical procedure. My doctor has advised rest for [X] days. The attested medical certificate is enclosed.
I have handed over my pending work to [Colleague's Name] and will resume duties on [Return Date].
Sincerely, [Your Name]
Sample 6: Formal sick leave letter for HR
Date: [Date] To: HR Department Subject: Sick Leave Application
Respected Sir/Madam,
I request [X] days of sick leave from [Start Date] to [End Date] due to illness. I am attaching my attested medical certificate for your reference and verification.
I have informed my team about pending work and ensured a smooth handover.
Yours faithfully, [Your Name] | [Employee ID]
How to Apply for Sick Leave: Step by Step
When you need to submit a sick leave request in the UAE, you generally have two main routes.
Option A: By Email
Ahmed wakes up with a severe fever in Dubai. Here is how he handles it.
The initial notice: Before his shift starts, he messages his manager on WhatsApp: "Hi [Manager's Name], I am unwell today and cannot come in. Heading to the clinic now and will send a formal email shortly."
The medical visit: He visits a clinic. The doctor issues a digital certificate through the DHA portal.
The formal application: Later that day, he sends a formal sick leave email to his manager and HR with the certificate attached.
Subject: Sick Leave Request – Ahmed – [Date]
Dear [Manager's Name],
I am unwell today and unable to attend the office. Please find my DHA-issued medical certificate attached. I will resume work on [Return Date].
[Colleague's Name] is aware of my tasks and will manage any urgent matters.
Regards, Ahmed | [Employee ID] | [Department]
Option B: Through the HRMS Portal
Fatima works in Abu Dhabi and her company uses greytHR for all leave management.
- She logs into the employee self-service portal, navigates to Leave Management, and selects Sick Leave from the dropdown.
- She can see her remaining sick leave balance for the year.
- She inputs her dates, uploads the PDF of her DOH-issued certificate, and submits.
- Her manager receives an automated approval alert. HR verifies the certificate via the TAMM portal and processes her paid leave through payroll.
FAQ
Can I take sick leave during my notice period?
Yes. You can take sick leave during a notice period in the UAE, provided you have a valid, attested medical certificate. The notice period continues to run concurrently with the sick leave. However, employers tend to scrutinise the documentation more closely during this phase.
What if my medical certificate is from outside the UAE?
If you fall ill while travelling outside the UAE, your foreign medical certificate must be attested by the UAE Embassy in that country, and subsequently by the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA), before it can be accepted for validation locally.
Can an employer terminate an employee on sick leave?
No. Dismissing an employee solely because they are on statutory sick leave is considered arbitrary dismissal under UAE labour law. The 90-day sick leave period carries termination protections for mainland employees.
What is the difference between sick leave and casual leave in the UAE?
Sick leave is specifically for medical conditions and requires a certified document from a licensed practitioner. Casual leave is a separate entitlement for short personal absences and does not require medical documentation. The two cannot cover the same period simultaneously.
