Under UAE labor regulations, employees working for mainland entities are permitted to take unpaid leave, provided they have secured prior written consent from their employer. According to Article 33(1) of the Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021, while the law allows for such leave beyond standard annual entitlements, it remains at the discretion of the company. It is crucial to document this agreement formally, as unpaid leave days do not count toward your total service period or pension contributions, as stipulated in Article 33(2) of the same law.

It is vital to manage this time off carefully to avoid potential legal complications or termination. If an employee fails to return to work after their approved unpaid leave—or remains absent for more than seven consecutive days or twenty intermittent days in a year without a valid, employer-approved justification—the company may legally terminate the contract without notice. Furthermore, failing to return after seven days of unauthorized absence could lead to the employer filing an absconding case with the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation. Therefore, open communication and written approval from your employer are essential to protect your job security during a personal crisis.