Public holidays in the UAE are usually paid days off for employees, but some workers may still be asked to report to work depending on the nature of their job. This often happens in sectors such as hospitality, healthcare, aviation, retail, security, transport, logistics and customer service.
The good news for employees is that UAE Labour Law sets clear rules for compensation. If a private sector employee is required to work during an official public holiday, the employer must compensate them either with a substitute day off or additional pay.
This is especially relevant during major UAE holidays such as Eid Al Fitr, Eid Al Adha, UAE National Day, New Year’s Day and other official holidays announced by the government.
Are Public Holidays Paid in the UAE?
Yes. Under UAE Labour Law, private sector employees are entitled to official public holidays with full pay. These holidays are determined by Cabinet decisions and announced by the relevant UAE authorities. The UAE Government portal also states that private sector employees are entitled to paid official holidays.
This means that if a public holiday is officially announced, eligible employees should receive the day off with pay. However, some businesses may need to continue operations during public holidays, which is why the law also explains what happens if an employee is required to work.
Can an Employer Ask You to Work on a Public Holiday?
Yes, an employer can ask an employee to work during a public holiday if work conditions require it. However, this does not mean the employee loses their holiday entitlement.
Article 28 of Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021 states that workers are entitled to official days off with full pay on public holidays. If work conditions require the employee to work during any public holiday, the employer must compensate the worker.
In simple terms, working on a public holiday is allowed, but it must be compensated.
What Compensation Should Employees Get?
If an employee works on an official UAE public holiday, the employer must provide one of two forms of compensation:
| Compensation Option | What It Means |
|---|---|
| Compensatory day off | The employee receives another paid rest day for each public holiday worked |
| Extra payment | The employee is paid their normal wage for that day plus at least 50% of their basic wage |
Khaleej Times also explains that if an employee is asked to work during an official public holiday, the employer must either provide a substitute rest day or pay the employee for that holiday as a regular working day, plus at least a 50% bonus on the basic wage.
What Is a Compensatory Day Off?
A compensatory day off is a replacement rest day given to an employee who worked during an official public holiday.
For example, if an employee works on one day of Eid holiday, the employer may give that employee another paid day off later. If the employee works two public holiday days, they should receive compensation for each day worked.
This replacement day is separate from the employee’s normal annual leave. It is meant to compensate for the public holiday that the employee could not take because of work requirements.
Does Compensatory Leave Expire?
UAE Labour Law explains the employee’s right to compensation, but practical rules around when compensatory leave must be used may depend on company policy, internal HR rules and employment contracts.
Khaleej Times notes that the law guarantees time off or 50% extra pay for holiday work, while expiry rules for compensatory leave depend on company policy.
Employees should check their company handbook or HR policy to understand whether substitute holidays must be used within a certain period.
Public Holiday Work: Quick Example
Here is a simple example:
| Scenario | Employee Entitlement |
|---|---|
| Employee gets the public holiday off | Full paid holiday |
| Employee works one public holiday | One substitute paid day off or normal wage plus at least 50% of basic wage |
| Employee works two public holidays | Compensation for each day worked |
| Company gives a later rest day | It should be a paid substitute day |
| Company pays instead of giving leave | Payment should include the day’s wage plus at least 50% of basic wage |
What Should Employees Do If Asked to Work?
If you are asked to work during a public holiday, it is better to clarify the compensation before the holiday begins.
Employees can ask HR or their manager:
- Will I receive a substitute day off?
- When can I use the compensatory leave?
- Will the day be paid instead?
- How will the extra pay be calculated?
- Will this be recorded in payroll or attendance records?
Having the arrangement in writing can help avoid confusion later.
What If an Employer Does Not Provide Compensation?
If an employee works during an official public holiday and does not receive a substitute day off or extra pay, they should first raise the matter with HR or management.
If the issue is not resolved internally, employees can contact the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation for guidance or file a labour complaint through official channels. The ministry’s worker guidance portal confirms that private sector workers have rights under Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021 and its executive regulations.
Why This Matters During Eid and Long Weekends
Public holiday compensation becomes especially important during Eid holidays and long weekends. Many UAE residents plan travel, family gatherings and rest days around official holidays, but workers in essential or service sectors may still need to work.
For these employees, knowing the law helps ensure they receive fair treatment. It also helps employers avoid disputes by clearly communicating how public holiday work will be compensated.
Final Thoughts
Working on public holidays in the UAE is allowed when business needs require it, but employees must be compensated. Under UAE Labour Law, private sector workers are entitled to paid public holidays. If they are required to work, they should receive either a compensatory paid day off or payment for the day worked plus at least 50% of their basic wage.
For employees, the most important step is to clarify the arrangement with HR before the holiday. For employers, clear communication and proper payroll records can prevent misunderstandings.
As public holidays remain an important part of work-life balance in the UAE, understanding compensatory leave and public holiday pay is essential for both workers and companies.
FAQ About Working on Public Holidays in UAE
- Can my employer ask me to work on a UAE public holiday?
Yes. An employer can ask an employee to work on a public holiday if work conditions require it, but the employee must be compensated under UAE Labour Law.
- What compensation do I get for working on a public holiday?
You should receive either a substitute paid rest day or payment for that day at your normal wage plus at least 50% of your basic wage.
- Is a compensatory day off paid?
Yes. A compensatory day off is a paid replacement rest day for a public holiday that the employee worked.
- Does compensatory leave reduce my annual leave?
No. A substitute day off for working on a public holiday is separate from normal annual leave.
- What should I do if my company does not compensate me?
Start by raising the issue with HR or management. If it is not resolved, you can seek guidance or file a complaint through the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation.