Emarat Alyoum, 26 April 2026: The Department of Government Empowerment has issued the executive regulations of Abu Dhabi Administrative Decision No. 1/2026 on the Issuance of the Implementing Regulation of Abu Dhabi Law No. 8/2025 on Human Resources in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, establishing a comprehensive framework for 15 types of leave available to government employees.

The regulations detail entitlements including annual leave (22–30 days depending on grade), sick leave (up to 15 days with medical certification requirements), work injury leave (12 days), exam leave (3–15 days), marriage leave (10 days), maternity and adoption leave (3 months), paternity leave (6 days), bereavement leave (10 days), ‘iddah leave (4 months and 10 days), Hajj leave (15 days), and companion leave (3 months), among others.

The regulations also specify seven conditions for annual leave entitlement, seven cases of non‑entitlement, and rules for carry‑over and cash compensation. Employees with disabilities are granted five additional annual leave days. Absence beyond authorised leave is treated as work discontinuation, subject to disciplinary provisions.

The framework ensures that leave periods count toward continuous service, end‑of‑service benefits, and pension contributions, unless otherwise specified. Government entities may grant connected leave periods under the regulation’s conditions, reinforcing consistency and fairness across Abu Dhabi’s public sector.

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