Termination & Notice Period
Written in plain language for general understanding. This is educational content, not legal advice. Based on UAE federal decrees, laws, and ministerial decisions.
UAE Federal Law
What is this right?
The 2021 UAE Labour Law replaced the old system of limited and unlimited contracts with a single type: fixed-term contracts of up to 3 years (renewable). Here is how termination works:
- Notice period: Either party must give between 30 and 90 days' written notice, as stated in the employment contract. The minimum is always 30 days.
- During notice: You must continue working during the notice period, and your employer must continue paying you.
- Job search leave: During your notice period, you are entitled to 1 unpaid day per week to look for a new job.
- Immediate termination by employer: Your employer can dismiss you without notice only for gross misconduct (Article 44), such as fraud, assault, or repeated no-shows.
- Immediate resignation by worker: You can leave without notice if your employer seriously breaches the contract, assaults you, or puts you in danger (Article 45).
When does it apply?
- You work in the private sector under the UAE Labour Law.
- This applies to all contract types since February 2, 2022, when the new law took effect.
- Workers in free zones (DIFC, ADGM) may have different termination rules under their own employment regulations.
What should you do?
- Give written notice — always submit your resignation or termination notice in writing (email is fine) and keep a copy.
- Check your contract for the exact notice period — it may be 30, 60, or 90 days.
- If you are fired without proper notice, file a complaint with MOHRE — you may be owed compensation equal to the notice period.
- Request your end-of-service gratuity, unused leave payment, and final salary in writing.
What should you NOT do?
- Do not leave without serving your notice period — you may owe your employer compensation equal to half the notice period's salary.
- Do not accept verbal termination — insist on a written termination letter stating the reason and effective date.
- Do not return company property before securing your final settlement documents.
Legal Resources
We may earn a commission if you use these services — at no extra cost to you. This supports our mission to make legal information free for everyone.
LawDepotCreate employment contracts, demand letters, and workplace documents in minutes. State-specific templates reviewed by lawyers.Create Business Documents →LegalNatureCreate employment agreements, NDAs, and workplace policy documents online. Attorney-drafted templates customized to your state.Create Documents →LegalZoomSend a demand letter or consult an employment attorney online. Fast, affordable, and no office visit required.Get Legal Help →