Garden Leave in the UAE: Do You Still Get Paid?
October 23, 2026
Garden leave — where an employer asks an employee to stay away from the workplace during their notice period rather than actively working — doesn't end the employment relationship early. Since the contract remains in effect through the notice period, salary continues to be paid as normal during this time.
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The employee is technically still employed and still serving their notice period — they're simply not required to physically attend work. The employment relationship, including the salary obligation, continues until the notice period formally ends.
What Doesn't Change
Since the employee is still formally employed during garden leave, other notice-period mechanics (end date, when the final settlement clock starts) work the same as if they were actively working — garden leave is a work-location decision by the employer, not an early termination.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does an employee on UAE garden leave still get paid?
Yes — the employment relationship and salary obligation continue through the notice period even if the employee isn't required to attend work.
Does garden leave shorten the actual notice period?
No — it's a work-location decision by the employer, not an early termination; the notice period still runs its full course.
Who typically decides to put an employee on garden leave?
The employer, usually for reasons like protecting sensitive information or client relationships during the transition period.
Does this affect when the final settlement is due?
No — the same 14-day-from-termination rule applies, with the termination date being when the notice period actually ends, not when garden leave began.