In February 2026, the UAE’s Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) clarified annual leave rules for workers. Employees get 30 days of paid leave after one year of service, with 2 days earned per month if under a year. Unused leave can be carried forward to the next year only if the employer agrees. You may carry over up to half your annual leave. For example, if you have 30 days, you can take 15 to the next year with approval. If you leave your job without using your leave, you must be paid for those days based on your basic salary. The law also protects employees from being denied leave for more than two years. Employers must allow leave usage or pay for it within this time unless the employee agrees otherwise. Unused leave days can be cashed out if both worker and employer agree. This payout is calculated on the basic salary when the leave was due. Key points: - Take annual leave in the year earned. - Carrying leave forward needs employer consent. - Unused leave has cash value when leaving work. - Leave can’t be blocked beyond two years without agreement. These rules help workers and employers avoid disputes and promote fair leave use under UAE labour laws in 2026.