Sharjah government employees will receive up to eight days of bereavement leave under a new directive issued by Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah.
The revised policy grants employees five days of leave when a family member dies within the UAE. However, employees will receive eight days if the death occurs outside the country.
The directive covers employees of the Sharjah Government and universities across the emirate. It also provides additional time for employees to travel and manage family arrangements during bereavement.
Sharjah Amends Bereavement Leave Policy
Abdullah Ibrahim Al Zaabi, Chairman of Sharjah’s Department of Human Resources, announced the revised policy during the Direct Line radio programme.
Under the new rules, employees can take five days of leave following a death within the UAE. Meanwhile, the eight-day provision applies when the death occurs abroad.
The extended leave recognises the additional time employees may need for international travel and related arrangements. It also gives employees more time to attend to family responsibilities during a difficult period.
Leave Covers First- and Second-Degree Relatives
The revised bereavement leave applies to the death of close relatives, including first- and second-degree family members.
These include grandparents, parents, uncles, aunts, brothers, sisters, spouses, children, nieces, nephews and grandchildren.
The policy applies to eligible employees of Sharjah’s government entities and universities. It sets out different leave periods based on whether the death occurs inside or outside the UAE.
Sharjah Strengthens Employee and Family Support
The revised policy aims to strengthen family ties and provide greater support to government employees during bereavement.
By allowing additional leave for deaths abroad, the directive also recognises the practical challenges of international travel and family obligations.
For HR teams across Sharjah’s public sector, the change provides a clear framework for managing bereavement leave. It also highlights the role of employee benefits in supporting workers through significant family events.
The directive was announced on October 1, 2026, following instructions from the Sharjah Ruler.
