Do I lose my gratuity if I am dismissed for misconduct in the UAE?

Generally, no — completing at least one year of service entitles you to end-of-service gratuity under the current UAE Labour Law (Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021), administered by MOHRE, and the reason for termination does not automatically strip it. This is different from the older law, which allowed gratuity to be forfeited in certain summary-dismissal situations. Under the present framework, once you have served a qualifying year you are normally entitled to gratuity calculated on the standard formula (21 days' basic wage per year for the first five years, 30 days thereafter, capped at two years' wages), whether you resigned or were dismissed. An employer may still terminate for serious cause and may pursue separate claims for genuine losses you caused, but that is distinct from cancelling the gratuity itself. Because dismissal-for-misconduct cases can be contested and fact-specific, it is wise to confirm your position. If your employer withholds gratuity on misconduct grounds, you can challenge it through MOHRE or compare verified UAE employment lawyers on LEXAI to assess your case.