What Pay Is Due for Working on a UAE Public Holiday?
Understand UAE public-holiday work pay and the alternative rest-day option for private-sector employees required to work.
The practical answer
A private-sector employee required to work on an official holiday should receive another rest day or be paid the normal wage for that day plus at least 50% of the basic wage for the day. The employer should apply one of those compensation routes.
How to handle it
1. Keep the roster and attendance proof
Save the published shift, clock-in record and any instruction requiring holiday work.
2. Ask which compensation route applies
Confirm whether the employer will provide a substitute rest day or the additional payment. Get the date or payroll period in writing.
3. Check basic wage separately
When payment is chosen, compare the supplement against the basic-wage component stated in the contract and payslip.
4. Raise a discrepancy with evidence
Send HR the date worked, roster and payslip. If unresolved, use the formal labour-complaint route rather than withholding work without advice.
Important: A company may offer terms more favourable than the legal minimum; check the contract and policy before accepting a lower interpretation.
Official source and review note
Dubai Daily Guide reviewed this article on 8 October 2026 against UAE Government — Official leaves and vacations ↗. Check the live service before acting because eligibility, documents, fees and processing steps can change.