UAE Labour Law Alert: Don't Work for Free on Dec 1 & 2 – Know Your Rights

DUBAI – While thousands of residents gear up for a relaxed four-day weekend to celebrate the UAE’s 54th Eid Al Etihad, many private-sector employees will still be manning their desks, counters, and sites.

If you are one of them, there is a silver lining. UAE Labour Law ensures that sacrificing your holiday comes with a premium price tag.

Here is exactly what you are owed under Article 28-and how to ensure you get it.

The 'Golden Rule' of Holiday Pay

According to the UAE Labour Law, working on an official public holiday (like December 1 and 2) is not considered a normal shift. It triggers specific compensation mechanisms designed to protect the employee's time.

Employers have two legal options to compensate you. They cannot simply offer nothing.

Option 1: The Substitute Day

Your employer can grant you a substitute rest day (Compensatory Off) to be taken at a later date, plus payment of your regular daily wage for the day worked.

Basically: You get your day off back later.

Option 2: The 150% Payment

If no substitute day is given, the employer must pay your basic wage for that day plus a bonus of at least 50% of that basic wage.

Basically: You earn 1.5 times your basic salary for that single day.

Who Is Eligible?

There is a common misconception that these rules only apply to junior staff or hourly workers. This is false. The law applies to all private-sector employees, regardless of seniority or job title. Whether you are a manager or a contract worker, Article 28 protects your right to fair compensation.

Realities: Check Your Payslip

HR experts warn that many employees, particularly in hospitality and retail, often accept working holidays as "part of the job" without checking their compensation.

"The law is clear," says HR consultant Ghina El Naber. "Working on a public holiday should never be treated like a normal shift... [Employees] are entitled to compensation and should check their pay slips."

What If Your Employer Doesn't Pay?

If your next payslip does not reflect the extra rest day or the 150% pay, you have legal recourse.

Check Internal Channels: First, raise the issue with your HR department citing Article 28.

File a Complaint: If the issue isn't resolved, employees can file a complaint with the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE). The law strictly supports the employee in these disputes.

The Bottom Line: If you are clocking in on Monday or Tuesday, make sure it counts. You are not just working; you are earning a premium.