Can my employer withhold my salary until I finish my notice period in the UAE?

No. During your notice period you remain an employee and are entitled to be paid your normal wages on the usual schedule for the days you work, paid through the Wage Protection System like any other month. Your employer cannot lawfully freeze or withhold your monthly salary simply because you have resigned or are serving notice. Working through notice does not suspend your right to be paid. Separately, your final settlement — which may include any remaining wages, accrued leave, and end-of-service entitlements where applicable — becomes due around the end of the relationship, and employers are expected to settle it promptly after your last working day. An employer is not entitled to hold your earned wages hostage to pressure you, recover disputed amounts without a lawful basis, or punish you for resigning. If your salary is withheld during notice, keep your resignation, contract, and pay records, and file a complaint with MOHRE. For help recovering withheld notice-period pay, you can compare verified UAE employment lawyers on LEXAI.