A recent judgment by the Abu Dhabi Court of Cassation (Case No. 73/2024) marks a notable departure from previous case law by ruling that the limitation period for claiming accrued leave entitlements does not automatically commence at the end of each year of service. Rather, the burden is on the employer to prove that the employee either took the leave or forfeited it with knowledge of the consequences. This decision significantly impacts leave management practices in the UAE and underscores the importance of accurate recordkeeping and timely enforcement of internal HR policies. For employers, the case serves as a strong reminder to proactively monitor and document annual leave usage.