Emiratis in government sector to get year-long 'entrepreneurship leave'

From January 2, 2023, UAE citizens working for the federal government will be able to apply for a year-long paid leave in order to start or manage their business ventures.

The 'Entrepreneurship Leave' for self-employment, which was approved by the UAE Cabinet in July, is one of the "Projects of the 50" initiatives and is said to be the first of its kind in the world.

During the period of absence, the employee will receive 50 per cent of his/ her total monthly salary, excluding bonuses and allowances related to the job.

"The initiative reflects the pioneering vision of the UAE leadership, which aims to motivate the UAE national cadres to approach the world of entrepreneurship," said Laila Obaid Al Suwaidi, Acting Director-General of the Federal Authority for Government Human Resources.

Al Suwaidi added that the UAE government will launch partnerships with business incubators and leading companies in the private sector, to build the capabilities of employees who have obtained Entrepreneurship Leave and support them in the fields of entrepreneurship, establishing and managing companies.

The conditions and requirements for obtaining the Entrepreneurship Leave for self-employment can be accessed through the website of the Federal Authority for Government Human Resources.

The Entrepreneurship Leave for self-employment aims to empower the UAE national cadres and talents and motivate them to approach the world of entrepreneurship and explore its fields, which will reflect positively on the future national economy. pic.twitter.com/Fi0JDAXJ6t

— FAHR (@FAHR_UAE) December 27, 2022