Is the notice period different for limited and unlimited contracts in the UAE?

Since Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021 came into force, the old distinction between 'limited' and 'unlimited' contracts no longer drives notice rules — all private-sector contracts were moved to fixed-term (limited) contracts under MOHRE. For any current contract, the notice period is the one stated in your agreement, set within the statutory range of not less than 30 and not more than 90 days, and it applies equally to resignation and to employer termination. The early-termination penalties that used to differ sharply between limited and unlimited contracts under the previous 1980 law no longer apply in the same way; instead, the party who breaks the contract without serving notice generally owes compensation in lieu of the un-served notice. If your contract still uses old 'unlimited' language, it should have been converted, and MOHRE records reflect the current fixed-term terms. To be certain which rules govern your exit, check your latest MOHRE contract. You can compare verified UAE legal professionals on LEXAI if an old contract type is causing a dispute over your notice or end-of-service amount.