Can UAE employees take their full annual leave at the start of the year?

Not necessarily. Under UAE Employment Law, employees earn 30 calendar days of paid annual leave after completing one full year of service. This leave is usually accrued monthly, meaning you build up your entitlement over time — not all at once at the start of the year. Employers also have the right to decide when annual leave can be taken, depending on work requirements and internal policies. So, if you’re planning a long break (like for a wedding) early in the year, your employer may not approve it if you haven’t accrued enough leave. However, you can request unpaid leave, subject to your employer’s consent. What’s your take — should employees be allowed to take advance leave for major life events like weddings or family emergencies?

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