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How to Get a Sick Leave Certificate in the UAE: A Simple Guide for Employees
Too unwell to work? Here's how sick leave certificates work in the UAE, what your employer can ask for, and how private-sector sick leave pay works under the labour law.
Quick answer
To get a sick leave certificate in the UAE, you must be examined by a doctor at a licensed clinic or hospital. The doctor issues a certificate only when it is medically justified. Under the UAE labour law, private-sector employees who have passed probation can take up to 90 days of sick leave a year: 15 days on full pay, 30 on half pay and the rest unpaid.
If you wake up too ill to work, you'll usually need a medical certificate for your employer. Here's how the process works in the UAE and what you're entitled to.
Step 1: See a doctor at a licensed facility
A valid sick leave certificate must be issued by a licensed doctor after a consultation. UAE health authorities don't allow certificates to be issued without an examination. Bring:
- Your Emirates ID (or passport)
- Your employer's name, if you want it on the certificate
Step 2: Get the certificate
If the doctor finds you're unfit to work, they'll issue a certificate stating the dates you should rest. The doctor decides the number of days based on your condition. You can't request a specific number of days.
Step 3: Inform your employer promptly
Tell your manager or HR as soon as possible. The UAE labour law expects employees to notify their employer of sick leave and provide a medical report, generally within a few days. Check your company policy for exact timings.
Step 4: Attestation (if required)
Some employers, especially government entities and some larger companies, require the certificate to be attested by the health authority. Ask your HR team whether this applies to you. Our reception can explain the steps.
Your sick leave rights in the private sector
Under Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021 (the UAE Labour Law), after completing probation, an employee is entitled to up to 90 days of sick leave per year, continuous or not:
| Days | Pay |
|---|---|
| First 15 days | Full pay |
| Next 30 days | Half pay |
| Remaining 45 days | Unpaid |
During probation, sick leave is generally unpaid and at the employer's discretion with a medical report. Sick leave isn't paid when the illness results directly from the employee's own misconduct, such as alcohol or drug use.
Government-sector employees, free-zone employees and domestic workers may have different rules. Check your contract or HR.
Frequently asked questions
Can I get a sick leave certificate online in the UAE?
Some licensed telehealth providers can issue certificates after a video consultation. A face-to-face examination is often more appropriate, and some employers prefer it.
Can I get a sick note for yesterday?
Doctors certify what they can assess. Backdating is generally not allowed. See a doctor on the day you are unwell if you think you'll need a certificate.
How many days of sick leave will the doctor give?
It depends entirely on your condition. For common illnesses such as flu or a stomach bug, it's typically one to three days.
Where can I get a medical certificate in Ajman?
Al Zahra Medical Centre on Sheikh Zayed Street, Ajman Industrial 1, is open mornings and evenings, Monday to Saturday. See a GP and, if medically appropriate, get a medical certificate the same visit.
