Picture for illustrative purposes only. ARCHIVE

Understanding your rights and the legal requirements surrounding holiday work in the UAE is crucial for both employers and employees. The UAE offers 14 public holidays annually, applicable to both the public and private sectors. These holidays are recognized under the Federal Decree Law, ensuring employees have the right to official days off with full pay. However, certain situations may require employees to work on these public holidays. Here’s what you need to know about the law:

Full pay on UAE public holidays

Employees in the UAE are entitled to official days off on public holidays with full pay, as specified by the Cabinet's resolution. This ensures that employees receive their regular salary without any deductions during these holidays, even if they do not work.

Compensation for working on UAE public holidays

If an employee must work during a public holiday, the law provides two options for compensation. First, the employee is entitled to an alternative rest day for each day worked during the holiday period. This ensures that the employee gets a substitute day off to rest and recover.

Additional pay for working on UAE holidays

Alternatively, employees who work on a public holiday can receive extra financial compensation. In this case, they are entitled to their regular day's salary plus an increase of not less than 50 percent of their basic daily wage for that day. This ensures that employees are fairly compensated for giving up their holiday time to work.

Employer's responsibility

Employers must comply with these legal requirements and ensure that employees are adequately compensated for working during public holidays. Failing to provide compensation or an alternative rest day can result in legal consequences for the employer, as these protections are enshrined in the UAE's labor laws to safeguard employee rights.

Exceptions and special cases

In some cases, specific job roles or sectors may have different arrangements for public holidays, particularly for roles deemed essential or critical. However, the employer must still provide fair compensation or alternative rest arrangements in accordance with the law.

Reporting violations

Employees who feel their rights have been violated concerning public holiday work can file a complaint with the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE). The ministry provides channels for employees to report such violations and seek resolution, ensuring the protection of their legal rights. The UAE labor law ensures that employees are not only entitled to public holidays with full pay but also receive fair compensation if they are required to work during these holidays. Employers and employees should familiarize themselves with these legal requirements to ensure compliance and protect employee welfare. ICA/Expat Media
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