Sick Leave Attestation in UAE: Complete Medical Certificate Guide (2026)
How does sick leave attestation work in the UAE?
Sick leave in the UAE requires a medical certificate from a UAE-licensed healthcare facility registered with MOHAP or DHA. The certificate must be stamped by the facility and may need attestation by MOHAP for extended leave periods. UAE Labour Law allows up to 90 days sick leave per year: 15 days full pay, 30 days half pay, and 45 days unpaid. Foreign medical certificates need full attestation.
UAE Labour Law on Sick Leave
Under UAE Labour Law (Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021), employees are entitled to up to 90 days of sick leave per year after completing probation. The breakdown is: first 15 days at full salary, next 30 days at half salary, and remaining 45 days without pay. Sick leave requires a medical certificate from a UAE-licensed healthcare provider. Employers can request verification of medical certificates for extended sick leave periods.
Medical Certificate Requirements
A valid medical certificate for sick leave must be issued by a healthcare facility licensed by MOHAP (Ministry of Health and Prevention) or the local health authority (DHA in Dubai, DOH in Abu Dhabi). The certificate must include the patient name matching their Emirates ID, diagnosis or reason for leave (may be coded), recommended leave period, the doctor's name and license number, and the facility stamp and date. Certificates from unlicensed clinics or from practitioners not registered with UAE health authorities may not be accepted.
When Foreign Medical Certificates Apply
If an employee falls ill while traveling abroad, the medical certificate from the foreign hospital needs attestation for UAE employer acceptance. The certificate must be attested through: authentication by the health authority in the issuing country, UAE Embassy attestation in that country (or apostille for Hague Convention countries), and MOFA attestation in the UAE. This is the same chain as other personal document attestation.
MOHAP Attestation for Extended Leave
For extended sick leave (beyond a few days), employers may request MOHAP attestation of the medical certificate. This involves submitting the certificate to MOHAP for verification against the issuing facility's records. MOHAP verification confirms the certificate is genuine and the recommended leave period is medically justified. This protects both employees (from wrongful termination) and employers (from fraudulent sick leave).
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UAE Labour Law provides 90 days sick leave per year: 15 days full pay, 30 days half pay, and 45 days unpaid. This applies after completing the probation period. Sick leave during probation may have different terms per your employment contract.