Understanding UAE Employment Contracts
Limited vs unlimited, probation, notice periods and end-of-service — what every clause means.
AVENNIO Editorial
Reviewed against UAE Labour Law (Federal Decree-Law 33)
Contract types after the 2022 reform
All private-sector contracts are now fixed-term (up to 3 years, renewable). Unlimited contracts have been phased out. Your contract must be registered with MOHRE — ask for a copy in a language you understand.
Probation
Maximum 6 months. During probation, the employer must give 14 days' notice and you must give 1 month if leaving for another UAE employer, or 14 days if leaving the country.
End-of-service gratuity
After 1 year of service you are entitled to 21 days of basic salary per year for the first 5 years, and 30 days per year after that, capped at 2 years total pay. This is your right — not a bonus.
A note from AVENNIO
This guide is general information, not legal advice. For specific cases, consult MOHRE, ICP or a licensed UAE labour consultant. If anyone asks you to pay for a visa or job, report it on the AVENNIO scam tracker.
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