This is a right, not a favour, so you do not need to use annual leave for a close bereavement, and it applies from day one of employment. Notify your employer and provide any documentation they reasonably require. Entitlements and the list of covered relatives vary across Gulf countries and can change, so confirm the current provision with the labour authority if you need it. How your entitlements sit alongside your role: UAE CV format guide.
Bereavement Leave
Bereavement or compassionate leave is paid time off following the death of a close family member. In the UAE the entitlement is 5 days for the death of a spouse and 3 days for a parent, child, sibling, grandparent, or grandchild. It is a statutory right separate from annual leave, granted regardless of length of service.
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Adil Dahmani
Adil Dahmani is the founder of Yalliq, the AI career copilot for Arabic-speaking professionals across MENA.