UAE Notice Period 2026: The 30-90 Day Rule and Probation Explained
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Ending a job in the UAE is not a same-day event — both you and your employer owe each other a notice period under Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021.
The standard rule
Article 43 sets a notice period of not less than 30 days and not more than 90 days, as agreed in your employment contract — and it applies equally to both employer and employee. Most contracts simply set 30 days.
Probation is different
During your first 6 months (probation), Article 44 sets three separate scenarios: your employer ending your job needs just 14 days; you resigning to join another UAE employer needs 30 days; and you resigning to leave the UAE (or not take new local work) needs only 14 days.
Payment in lieu
Neither side has to actually work the notice period out — either can pay the other's full salary for the remaining notice days instead. During any notice period actually served, your contract stays fully in force: you keep working, get paid in full, and your employer must give you one unpaid day a week to job-hunt.
Worked example
AED 10,000/month, standard 30-day notice, employer chooses to pay in lieu: daily wage = 10,000 ÷ 30 = AED 333; payment in lieu = 333 × 30 = AED 10,000 (one month's pay).
Frequently asked questions
What is the minimum notice period in the UAE?
30 days for a standard (post-probation) contract, and it cannot exceed 90 days — the exact figure is whatever your contract states within that range, per Article 43 of Federal Decree-Law 33/2021.
Is the UAE notice period the same for employer and employee?
Yes — Article 43 requires the same notice period from both sides for a standard contract.
What is the UAE probation notice period?
If your employer ends it, at least 14 days. If you resign to join another UAE employer, at least 30 days. If you resign and are leaving the UAE or not taking new local work, at least 14 days (Article 44).
Can my employer make me leave immediately and pay me instead of serving notice?
Yes — either party can waive the notice period by paying the other side's salary for the remaining notice days.
Do I still get paid during my notice period?
Yes, in full, and your employer must give you one unpaid day off per week (with 3 days notice) to search for a new job.