Can I be on probation and a fixed-term contract at the same time in the UAE?

Yes. In the UAE private sector, fixed-term (limited-term) contracts are now the standard form under the Labour Law (Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021), and a probation period sits at the start of that contract rather than being a separate kind of agreement. So your contract can be fixed-term while also including a probation clause covering its opening months. During probation, specific notice and termination rules apply that differ from those after you are confirmed; once you complete probation, the rest of the fixed term continues under the normal rules. Probation is still capped at the legal maximum and cannot be stacked or reset to extend it. Check your registered MOHRE contract to see both the contract's fixed duration and the probation period within it, and note the date your probation ends, since your rights change at that point. If the probation clause appears to exceed the legal limit or conflicts with the contract term, that is worth questioning. To clarify how the two interact in your case, confirm with MOHRE and compare verified UAE legal professionals on LEXAI.