Working on a Public Holiday in UAE: Know Your Rights

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If your employer asks you to work on an official UAE public holiday, you are entitled to either a substitute day off or additional pay, depending on your contract and the nature of your role. Understanding exactly what you are owed can save you from being shortchanged.

What does UAE law say about public holidays?

The UAE Labour Law sets out clear protections for employees asked to work on gazetted public holidays. Workers who are required to report on these days must receive either a replacement rest day or a compensatory wage on top of their regular pay. The entitlement applies across both private and public sector employees, though the specific calculation can differ.

For most private sector workers governed by Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021, working a public holiday triggers the right to a day off in lieu, or pay equivalent to the basic wage for that day plus a premium of at least 50 percent. In practical terms, that means your total compensation for that day should be 150 percent of your standard daily rate.

Which days count as official public holidays in the UAE?

The UAE government announces official public holidays each year, typically covering national and Islamic occasions. These include New Year’s Day, Eid Al Fitr, Eid Al Adha, UAE National Day, the Islamic New Year, and the Prophet’s Birthday, among others. The exact dates for Islamic holidays shift annually in line with the lunar calendar.

It is worth noting that some holidays are granted to government employees but not automatically extended to the private sector, unless a specific circular is issued. Always check the official announcement from the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) each year.

How is the extra pay calculated?

The compensation formula under UAE labour regulations breaks down as follows:

• Basic daily wage: Your monthly basic salary divided by 30
• Holiday premium: At least 50 percent added on top of that daily rate
• Total minimum entitlement: 150 percent of the basic daily wage for the holiday worked
• Alternative option: A substitute rest day agreed upon with the employer

Allowances such as housing or transport are generally excluded from the base calculation unless your contract specifies otherwise. Always review your employment contract carefully.

What if your employer refuses to pay?

Workers in the UAE have a clear route for redress. A complaint can be filed directly with MOHRE through the ministry’s online portal, the MOHRE app, or by calling the 800-60 helpline. The ministry will attempt mediation first. If that fails, the case is referred to the labour courts.

Employees on free zone contracts should check with the relevant free zone authority, as some zones, such as the DIFC, operate under their own employment frameworks with separate but comparable protections.

Do part-time or domestic workers have the same rights?

Part-time workers covered under the UAE Labour Law are entitled to public holiday benefits on a pro-rata basis. Domestic workers fall under Federal Law No. 10 of 2017, which provides them with a separate but broadly similar framework, including the right to paid leave on official holidays. If a domestic worker is asked to work on a public holiday, the employer must provide a substitute rest day.

Why it matters for the Gulf

The UAE is home to a workforce where expatriates make up the vast majority of employees. Many workers, particularly newer arrivals, are unaware of their entitlements or hesitant to raise disputes with employers. With the UAE consistently updating and strengthening its labour legislation, knowing these rights is more important than ever. Enforcement has also become more accessible, with MOHRE digital tools reducing the friction involved in filing a complaint.

Employers who fail to comply risk fines and reputational damage under a regulatory environment that has grown increasingly worker-focused over the past few years.

For a full breakdown of the legal framework governing this issue, read the original report via Mondaq.

Disclaimer: This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Consult a qualified UAE employment lawyer for guidance specific to your situation.

Have you ever worked a public holiday in the UAE and had trouble claiming your entitled pay? Share your experience in the comments below.