Should UAE Companies Embrace the Sabbatical?

by Mohammad Osama

Published Mar 23, 2025

Should UAE companies consider sabbaticals for employees? It’s a question that’s gaining traction in the workplace of 2025 – Gen Z might even all them ‘micro retirements’ . While sabbaticals aren’t currently a common practice in the UAE, I believe it’s time for companies to reconsider.

In most of the world, the majority of those in the workforce are permanent residents and likely to stay in that country for most of their careers, even when they’re out of work. In contrast, the UAE workforce comprises 80% expats. Before the Golden Visa option, this meant that the expat workforce would need a visa to stay in the country from an employer.”

This unique dynamic has historically made workplace stability with long tenures difficult to achieve in the UAE, unlike in many other countries where a significant portion of a company’s staff might be fairly stable.

Sabbaticals tend to be offered to those who have had a successful and significant tenure in an organisation, who are recognised by leadership, and who have also had a significant tenure in that organisation. Furthermore, the UAE has one of the best ‘Value Propositions’ globally as a destination to live and work in.

This means that there’s a wealth of talent from all over the world willing to fill any available positions. This added competition can make it challenging for individuals to reach the level of being considered invaluable enough for a sabbatical.

However, the UAE government’s various positive initiatives are paving the way for change:

• Providing a platform for companies to thrive long-term.
• Creating a highly attractive quality of life, encouraging the workforce to stay in the UAE regardless of their origin.

These initiatives should help create the longevity of tenures needed for employers to consider sabbaticals. Realistically speaking, I do think we are perhaps 5 to 10 years away before this becomes commonplace in the GCC.