The Abu Dhabi Government Enablement Department has rolled out a comprehensive leave policy for public-sector employees, formalising 15 different types of leave under a new human resources framework. The move is part of the executive regulations linked to Law No. (8) of 2025 and aims to standardise leave practices across government entities.
The new system lays out clear rules on eligibility, duration, and approvals, creating a structured approach to time off. Annual leave remains a central component, with entitlements ranging from 22 to 30 working days depending on employee grade. The policy also introduces a defined approval timeline, requiring leave requests to be processed within seven working days, after which they may be automatically cleared.
Employees will be allowed to carry forward a portion of unused leave into the next year, while additional provisions include the option for compensation in certain cases. The framework also includes added benefits such as extra leave for employees with disabilities and revised entitlements linked to career progression.
A notable feature is the expansion of leave categories to cover key life events. These include provisions for marriage, maternity, paternity, adoption, bereavement, and religious obligations such as Hajj. Longer-duration leave options, including companion and Iddah leave, have also been defined, alongside study and unpaid leave categories.
Health-related provisions have been incorporated with clear limits on paid sick leave, along with flexibility for extended medical absences subject to approval. The policy also allows for reduced working hours in specific health conditions.
The framework ensures that employees remain in active service during approved leave, maintaining continuity of benefits. At the same time, it reinforces compliance, with unauthorised absences subject to action.
