Can an employer in the UAE require an employee to work during approved annual leave, or dismiss them if a project deadline overlaps with that leave?

Under UAE Employment Law, annual leave is a statutory right and must generally be taken in the year of entitlement, with dates fixed by the employer based on work requirements and in agreement with the employee. Once leave is approved in line with the law, an employer cannot lawfully compel an employee to work during that period. If both parties mutually agree to work during leave, compensation must be provided either through alternative leave days or additional pay. Importantly, termination solely because a project deadline coincides with approved leave may be challenged as arbitrary dismissal under Article 47, and a court may award compensation of up to three months’ salary based on the last drawn wage, in addition to notice and end-of-service benefits. Employees facing such pressure may approach the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation for guidance or to file a complaint. What are your views — should companies have greater flexibility during critical projects, or must employee leave rights remain strictly protected regardless of business pressures?