Labour Law Navigator

Employees may be placed on probation for up to 6 months. During this time, either party can terminate the contract with a shorter notice period (usually 14 days to 1 month, depending on the situation).

Yes, under UAE law, employees can work part-time for multiple employers if they hold a valid work permit that allows it. Employer consent is not always required under the updated rules.

Limited contract: Has a fixed end date.

Notice periods typically range from 30 to 90 days, depending on the contract. Both employer and employee must comply unless termination is for misconduct.

Yes, but only in cases of serious misconduct as defined by UAE labour law (e.g., falsifying documents, disclosing trade secrets, or repeated violation of rules).

Yes, employees can resign during probation, but they must give 14 days’ notice if joining another UAE employer, or 1 month’s notice if leaving the country.

The standard limit is 48 hours per week (8 hours per day). During Ramadan, working hours are reduced by 2 hours per day.

Overtime is usually paid at 125% of the basic hourly rate, and 150% if the work is performed between 10 PM and 4 AM, unless the job is on a shift system.

Employees are entitled to:

• 30 days of paid annual leave after one year of service.
• Pro-rata leave if employed for more than 6 months but less than a year.

Employees are entitled to full pay on official public holidays, which include Eid Al Fitr, Eid Al Adha, National Day, and others announced annually by the government.

• Maternity leave: 60 days (45 days fully paid + 15 days half pay).
• Paternity leave: 5 days, which can be taken consecutively or separately within 6 months of the child’s birth.

Yes, in the UAE it is mandatory for employers to provide health insurance to their employees (requirements may vary by emirate).

Salaries must be paid at least once a month and no later than 10 days after the due date, usually through the Wage Protection System (WPS).

Gratuity is based on the last basic salary:

• 21 days’ salary per year for the first 5 years of service.
• 30 days’ salary per year for each additional year.
• Gratuity is capped at 2 years’ total salary.

Employees must have completed at least 1 year of service to qualify. 

Employees can file complaints with the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE). The ministry first attempts mediation; if unresolved, the case may be referred to the labour courts.