How much annual leave do you get?
| Country | Annual leave | Paid for unused leave when you leave |
|---|---|---|
| Saudi Arabia | 21 days a year, rising to 30 days after 5 years with the same employer | Yes, for all earned days, including part of a year |
| UAE | 30 days a year after one year of service; 2 days a month between 6 months and one year | Yes, calculated on the basic wage |
Leave builds up day by day through the year. This calculator works out the days earned since the start of your current leave year, adds any days carried over and takes away the days you have used. The value of the balance is the daily wage (monthly wage ÷ 30) × the remaining days.
Worked examples
Saudi Arabia: started on 1 March 2020, salary 6,000 SAR, 5 days already taken
After more than 5 years the rate is 30 days a year. From 1 March to 4 October 2026 is 218 days, so you have earned 30 × 218 ÷ 365 = 17.92 days. Less the 5 taken: 12.92 days, worth 12.92 × 200 = 2,583.56 SAR.
Working days in March 2026 in Saudi Arabia
March has 31 days. Take away 8 Fridays and Saturdays and the 2 Eid al-Fitr holidays that fall on working days (19 and 22 March): 21 working days.
Weekends in the Gulf
Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain and Oman have a Friday and Saturday weekend. The UAE moved to Saturday and Sunday in 2022, although some private companies still work on Saturdays. Choose the weekend that applies to your job.
Frequently asked questions
Can my employer refuse to pay my unused leave when I resign?
No. In both Saudi Arabia and the UAE, leave days you have earned and not taken must be paid when the job ends, whatever the reason the job ended.
Which salary is used for leave pay?
In Saudi Arabia, leave pay is usually your full wage including fixed allowances. In the UAE, unused leave at the end of the job is paid on the basic wage.
Do official holidays count as annual leave?
No. Official holidays such as the two Eids are separate from annual leave and should not be taken from your leave balance.
Can I carry leave over to next year?
Usually yes, with your employer’s agreement and within the limits of the law and your contract. Taking your leave every year is the safest way to keep it.
Last reviewed: October 2026. Holiday dates are estimates; the authorities announce the exact days each year. This calculator is an estimate and is not legal advice; for your case contact the Saudi Ministry of Human Resources or the UAE Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation.
This page was translated from Arabic. If something is unclear or wrong, please tell us.