FAQ: Do Labour Lawyers in UAE Assist With Leave Entitlements and Holiday Disputes in Dubai?

 Leave entitlements and holiday policies are essential components of employment contracts in Dubai. Despite clear rules under UAE Labour Law, disputes often arise when employees are denied leave, face restrictions on holidays, or encounter conflicts over accrued entitlements. This raises the question: Do labour lawyers in UAE assist with leave entitlements and holiday disputes in Dubai?

The answer is yes. Labour lawyers provide expert guidance to both employees and employers, ensuring that leave policies comply with Dubai labour law, disputes are resolved fairly, and workplace rights are fully protected.


Common Leave Entitlement and Holiday Disputes

Leave-related disputes in Dubai often include:

  • Denial of annual leave or delayed approval

  • Conflicts regarding sick leave or medical leave

  • Disputes over maternity, paternity, or parental leave

  • Misunderstandings regarding public holidays and leave accrual

  • Encashment of unused leave during contract termination

  • Disagreements over leave deduction policies or unpaid leave

  • Conflicts arising from working hours and leave balance discrepancies

Without legal assistance, these disputes can escalate into prolonged conflicts affecting employee morale and employer operations.


How Labour Lawyers Assist With Leave and Holiday Disputes

1. Reviewing Employment Contracts and Policies

Labour lawyers carefully examine:

  • Employment contracts for leave entitlements and accrual policies

  • Company leave policies and procedures

  • Compliance with UAE Labour Law and Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) guidelines

  • Clauses related to unpaid leave, holiday pay, and contract termination

This ensures that both employees and employers understand their legal obligations and rights.


2. Advising Employees and Employers

Labour lawyers provide guidance on:

  • Employee rights to annual leave, sick leave, and other entitlements

  • Employer responsibilities to grant leave and adhere to labour law requirements

  • Procedures for resolving leave disputes internally or through MOHRE

  • Legal remedies, including compensation or adjustments in entitlements

Proper advice ensures disputes are resolved efficiently and in compliance with the law.


3. Negotiating Settlements

Many leave disputes can be resolved through negotiation. Labour lawyers assist by:

  • Mediating between employees and employers regarding leave conflicts

  • Arranging compensation or alternative leave options

  • Drafting legally binding settlement agreements

  • Avoiding lengthy and costly court proceedings

Negotiation often results in faster, mutually agreeable solutions while preserving professional relationships.


4. Representing Clients in Labour Court or MOHRE

If disputes cannot be resolved amicably, labour lawyers represent clients in:

  • Dubai Labour Courts

  • Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) dispute resolution centers

  • Arbitration or mediation forums

Lawyers ensure claims are filed correctly, evidence is presented professionally, and clients’ rights are fully protected.


5. Handling Complex Leave Disputes

Some leave disputes involve additional complexities, such as:

  • Leave encashment disputes upon contract termination

  • Conflicts over combined sick, annual, and public holidays

  • Disputes involving expatriate employees with visa and sponsorship concerns

  • Mismanagement of leave accrual systems

Labour lawyers guide clients through these challenges, protecting both legal and financial interests.


6. Advising on Preventive Measures

Labour lawyers also help employers prevent leave and holiday disputes by advising on:

  • Drafting clear leave policies aligned with UAE Labour Law

  • Maintaining accurate leave records and payroll integration

  • Training HR teams on leave management and legal compliance

  • Communicating leave entitlements clearly to employees

Proactive measures reduce disputes and foster a fair and transparent work environment.


When Should Clients Consult Labour Lawyers?

Employees or employers should seek legal assistance when:

  • Leave requests are denied or improperly processed

  • Disputes arise over unpaid or encashed leave

  • Preparing for MOHRE or labour court proceedings

  • Reviewing leave policies and employment contracts for compliance

  • Negotiating settlements regarding holiday or leave entitlements

Early consultation ensures disputes are handled efficiently and rights are fully protected.


Final Thoughts

Leave entitlements and holiday disputes in Dubai can disrupt work environments and create legal complications if not addressed properly. Experienced labour lawyers in UAE provide critical support by reviewing contracts, advising on legal obligations, negotiating settlements, and representing clients in MOHRE or labour court proceedings. Engaging labour lawyers in UAE safeguards employee rights, ensures employer compliance with Dubai labour law, and promotes a fair and well-managed leave system

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