Avoid Sandwiching Leave During Eid Al Fitr in UAE: What You Need to Know

If you’re living and working in the UAE, public holidays—especially those around Eid Al Fitr—are a perfect time to relax, recharge, or maybe even plan a getaway. But before you start dreaming of a longer break by “sandwiching” your annual leave between weekends and holidays, there’s something important you should know.

Let’s break it down in simple terms so you won’t face any trouble or lose leave days you weren’t meant to.

What Does “Sandwiching Leave” Mean?

You may have heard friends talking about “sandwich leave,” but what exactly is it?

Sandwiching leave refers to taking paid vacation days right before and after public holidays—essentially “sandwiching” the holiday in the middle to make a long break. For example, if a public holiday falls on a Thursday and you take Friday as a paid leave day, followed by a weekend, you get a long holiday from Thursday to Sunday.

Sounds like a nice little bonus, doesn’t it? But hold on.

Why It Might Not Work in the UAE

While this idea works in some countries, it’s not always ideal—or even allowed—in the UAE. The UAE’s labor laws clearly define how leaves and public holidays should be treated, especially in the private sector.

Here’s the catch: In the UAE, if you take a leave right before and right after a public holiday or weekend without approval or a valid reason, your employer might count the intervening day (the holiday) as part of your leave.

So, instead of enjoying a four-day break, you may end up losing additional leave days. That’s why it’s important to understand how your company calculates your leave and what rules apply during Eid and other holidays.

The Law Behind It: Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021

Let’s look at the law that governs this.

According to Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021 Regarding the Regulation of Labour Relations, Article 29 states that every employee is entitled to official paid leave on public holidays. But it also emphasizes that annual leave must be approved by the employer.

Employers have the final say when it comes to approving leave. So, if you’re planning to sneak in a longer break around Eid without proper permission, you could be risking:

• Deduction of holidays from your annual leave balance
• Rejection of your leave request altogether
• Misunderstandings with your HR department or employer

Example to Consider

Let’s say Eid Al Fitr is declared from Wednesday to Friday (which is often the case). You decide to take annual leave on the Monday and Tuesday before Eid and the Sunday after, to get a whole week off.

Now technically, you’ve taken leave surrounding the official holidays. But depending on your company’s leave policy, they may classify those Eid holidays as part of your annual leave if you haven’t gotten prior approval.

Quite the opposite of a win-win, right?

So, What Should You Do Instead?

The good news is: You can still enjoy your Eid holidays—without worrying about losing extra leave.

Here are a few tips to handle your vacation the smart way:

1. Talk to HR Ahead of Time

Don’t assume your leave will be automatically approved or that public holidays will be treated the same everywhere. Each company might follow a slightly different policy on the topic of sandwich leave.

Pro tip: Ask your HR department how they handle leave when it’s taken around public holidays. Getting clarity beforehand can save you from regret later.

2. Submit Leave Early

Especially during popular travel times like Eid, your colleagues may also be planning time off. The earlier you make your request, the better your chances of getting approval—and avoiding any deduction in leave.

3. Read Your Employment Contract and Handbook

Sometimes, the rules are right there sitting in your onboarding documents—just waiting to be read. See what your contract says about leave during public holidays. If it’s not clear, don’t be shy to ask.

4. Be Strategic With Your Time Off

Instead of “sandwiching” time off blindly, look at the calendar and pick leave days that give you maximum rest without sacrificing official holidays.

For example: If Eid falls in the middle of the week, and your workload is lighter afterwards, maybe request time off after the holiday rather than before. This way, you’re effectively creating a longer break without overlapping the public holiday.

Why Following the Rules Helps in the Long Run

Taking leave responsibly isn’t just about avoiding trouble with HR. It’s also about fostering trust with your employer. When you’re careful with your time off, your boss is more likely to accommodate your future leave requests.

Plus, UAE law is designed to protect both employers and employees. By following the guidelines, you’re making the most of your benefits.

Quick Recap: What to Remember During Eid Leave

• “Sandwiching” leave could cost you annual leave days if not approved
• Public holidays can be counted as part of leave if the days around them are taken off without permission
• Check with your HR before planning holiday extensions
• Plan early, be strategic, and always get written approval

Final Thoughts

We all want a break—especially during festive times like Eid Al Fitr. And while it’s tempting to turn a mid-week holiday into a long weekend, understanding how “sandwiching” leave can affect your entitlement in the UAE is crucial.

Think of it this way: If you’re baking a sandwich, you want the best ingredients. Similarly, when planning leave, make sure all components—your official holidays, your annual leave, and company approval—align well to create the perfect break.

Eid is meant to be joyful. So plan wisely, follow the rules, and enjoy the holiday without worry!

Looking for More UAE Labor Law Tips?

Bookmark our blog for more easy-to-understand guides on living and working in the UAE. Got a question about your rights as an employee? Leave a comment below and we might cover it in our next post!

Until then—happy planning, and Eid Mubarak in advance! 🌙✨