As Eid ul Fitr approaches and millions across the UAE prepare for celebrations, a pressing question is trending among workers: Can your employer ask you to work on a public holiday and if yes, what are your rights? The short answer is yes, you can be asked to work but not without compensation.This year, Eid ul Fitr will be celebrated across the UAE emirates on March 20. With heightened economic activity, retail rush, hospitality demand and essential services running at full capacity during Eid, thousands of employees may find themselves scheduled to work but under UAE labour law, this comes with strict protections and clear entitlements.
Under UAE labour law, public holidays such as Eid ul Fitr are fully paid days off for employees. However, if an employer requires an employee to work on such a day, the law provides two clear options:
This means that working on Eid is not illegal but working without compensation is.
The compensation structure is straightforward but often misunderstood. If you work on Eid, you are entitled to:
Alternatively, your employer can offer a day off in lieu, which must be granted later. This dual-option...
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