If you worked through the recent Eid Al Adha holidays in the UAE, you are legally entitled to either receive extra pay or take compensatory time off. According to Article 28 of the Federal Decree Law No. 33 of 2021, employers must compensate staff for working on public holidays by providing an equivalent rest day or paying a full day’s wage plus a 50 percent bonus on the basic salary. If you prefer to use these compensatory days to extend your annual leave, the law does not explicitly forbid it, but it also does not grant you an automatic right to do so.

Ultimately, the decision rests with your employer, as they hold the authority to determine leave schedules based on operational needs and company policy. While the law mandates that employers must provide at least one month’s notice for annual leave, the specific arrangement of combining these days is usually a matter of mutual agreement. It is highly recommended that you check your company’s internal policy handbook, as some organizations may have established rules that are more generous than the standard legal requirements. Engaging in a direct, professional conversation with your employer to negotiate these dates is the most effective way to secure a successful outcome.