Skip to main content

Ask a Lawyer·Labour / Employment

Labour / EmploymentAnswered

What is the notice period under UAE Labour Law?

Asked by Anonymous·Jun 26, 2026·1 answers
An employee in the UAE private sector wants to understand how much notice they or their employer must give before ending the employment relationship.

This answer is AI-generated by LEXAI. It is general legal information, not legal advice — verify anything you act on with a licensed UAE lawyer. How LEXAI uses AI

1 answers

Best answer
L
LEXAI

AI-generated answer

Jun 26, 2026
Under the UAE Labour Law (Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021, applied by MOHRE), either party ending an employment contract must give written notice. The law sets the notice period at not less than 30 days and not more than 90 days, with the exact length stated in your contract. The same notice obligation applies whether the employer terminates or the worker resigns, and the employment relationship — including duties and pay — continues normally throughout the notice period unless the parties agree otherwise. If either side ends the contract without serving the agreed notice, the other party is entitled to compensation in lieu of notice equal to the wage for the notice period (or the un-served portion). Shorter rules apply during probation. To confirm the precise notice length, check the signed MOHRE employment offer and contract, since the figure within the 30–90 day range is set there. If your employer refuses to honour the agreed notice, you can raise the matter with MOHRE. You can also compare verified UAE legal professionals on LEXAI if you need advice on a specific contract.
Helpful (0)

Facing something similar?

Describe your own situation below. Your details go to our team, and a suitable lawyer in the LEXAI directory may receive them so they can contact you about it.

Pick your situation so your enquiry can reach a suitable lawyer in the LEXAI directory who works in that area.

Your details stay private and are used only to handle your enquiry. Your enquiry may be offered to a suitable lawyer automatically, and may be offered to another if there is no response, so a lawyer can contact you about it. Privacy policy

Related Questions

Underlying law

Keep reading

Labour Employment

UAE Labour Law Changes: What Actually Applies to Your Job in 2024

The 2024 changes are not a new statute. They are the 2021 labour law reaching full effect — fixed-term contracts for everyone, gratuity that survives resignation, and a faster route for smaller wage claims.

5 min read

Labour Employment

Article 121 UAE Labour Law: What It Said, When It Was Repealed, and What Applies Now

Article 121 let workers quit without notice under the old UAE Labour Law, Federal Law 8 of 1980. That law is repealed. Here is the current equivalent, Article 45 of Federal Decree-Law 33 of 2021, and how to use it correctly.

5 min read

Labour Employment

Basic Salary in the UAE: What Counts, the Percentage Question, and Which Entitlements Use It

Basic salary is the contract wage before housing, transport and other allowances. UAE law sets no minimum ratio to your total package, yet overtime, gratuity, holiday premiums and unemployment insurance all run on it. Here is what counts, what does not, and how to check your own figure.

5 min read