Hajj Leave in the UAE Private Sector: Who Can Take It?
Check the UAE private-sector Hajj leave entitlement, its unpaid status, 30-day limit and once-per-employer condition.
Start with the official rule
A UAE private-sector employee may be granted unpaid Hajj leave for up to 30 days. It is available only once during employment with the same employer and is separate from annual leave. UAE labour law does not create an equivalent statutory leave entitlement for Umrah.
Step by step
1. Check earlier employment records
Confirm that Hajj leave has not already been used with the current employer. A new request should identify it clearly as Hajj leave.
2. Plan dates and travel documents
Work back from the authorised Hajj programme and allow for the employer’s approval process. Do not book non-refundable travel before the dates are confirmed.
3. Submit a written request
State the proposed absence, attach the evidence requested by HR and acknowledge that the statutory leave is unpaid.
4. Confirm how payroll will record it
Check that the days are not taken from annual leave unless that is an additional arrangement you requested and accepted.
Important: Leave approval does not replace Saudi entry, health or travel requirements. Check those separately with the relevant authorities.
Before you act
For Umrah, an employee can request annual leave or unpaid leave, but approval follows the normal employer process because the labour law does not specify a separate Umrah entitlement.
Official source and review note
Dubai Daily Guide reviewed this article on 9 October 2026 against UAE Government — Hajj and Umrah leave ↗. Check the live service before acting because eligibility, documents, fees and processing steps can change.