Resignation and notice period in the UAE: the rules in plain English

In the UAE, the notice period is between 30 and 90 days, as agreed in your employment contract. The same notice applies whether you resign or your employer ends the contract. You get your full wage during notice. If either side does not give the agreed notice, it must pay the other side the wage for the notice period.

These rules are in Article 43 of the UAE labour law. Contracts cannot set notice shorter than 30 days or longer than 90 days. For the wider rules, see our UAE labour law guide.

How long is the notice period in the UAE?

Situation	Notice
You resign after probation	As in your contract: 30 to 90 days
Employer ends the contract after probation	As in your contract: 30 to 90 days
You resign during probation to join another UAE employer	At least 1 month
You resign during probation to leave the UAE	At least 14 days
Employer ends the contract during probation	At least 14 days

Probation rules are different. See probation period in the UAE.

Can the notice period be shortened?

Yes. You and your employer can agree in writing to cut or skip the notice. If the employer asks you to stop early, it should still pay you for the notice period, unless you both agree differently.

What happens if you don’t serve your notice?

The side that does not give notice pays the other side “notice pay”. It equals your wage for the full notice period, or for the days not served.

Example: your notice is 60 days and your monthly wage is AED 12,000. You leave after 30 days without agreement. You could owe your employer 30 days’ wage: 12,000 ÷ 30 × 30 = AED 12,000. Your employer can deduct it from your final settlement.

Your rights during notice

• Full pay: your contract carries on until the notice ends.
• Work as normal: your employer can ask you to keep working.
• Job-hunting day: if your employer ended the contract, you can take one unpaid day a week to look for a new job.
• Leave: notice does not run while you are on approved leave. It starts the day after you come back. See annual leave in the UAE.

When can you resign without notice?

Article 45 lets you leave without notice, and keep all your end-of-service rights, in four cases:

1. Your employer breaks the contract or the law, you report it to MOHRE, and the employer does not fix it within 14 days of being told.
2. Your employer or a manager assaults or harasses you. You must report it within 5 working days.
3. There is a serious danger at work and your employer knew but did not fix it.
4. Your employer gives you very different work from your contract without your written consent (except in emergencies).

Do not rely on this without proof. Keep emails, messages and any MOHRE reference number.

How to resign in the UAE: step by step

1. Read your contract. Check the notice length and any non-compete clause.
2. Take your leave first, if you want it. Notice does not run during leave.
3. Write a short resignation letter. Include the date, your last working day, and a line asking for your final settlement. Keep it polite.
4. Send it by email and get a reply. Save the email as proof of your notice date.
5. Hand over your work. Your employer can ask you to work until the last day.
6. Check your final settlement. It should include salary to your last day, unused leave, gratuity and any other dues.
7. Get paid within 14 days. Article 53 says your employer must pay everything within 14 days of the contract ending.
8. Sort your visa. Your employer cancels your work permit and visa. You then have a grace period to change status or leave. See overstay fine check.

Do you lose gratuity if you resign?

No. Under the current law, gratuity is the same whether you resign or are let go. You need at least one year of continuous service. Check your amount with our gratuity calculator.

Older articles talk about “limited” and “unlimited” contracts and cutting gratuity for resigning early. Those rules came from the old 1980 law and no longer apply.

Is notice included in gratuity?

Yes. Your contract carries on during notice, so the notice period counts as service.

What if your employer won’t accept your resignation?

Your employer cannot force you to stay once you give valid notice. If it refuses to process your exit or pay your dues, file a complaint with MOHRE on 80084 or in the MOHRE app. Our MOHRE enquiry services guide shows how to track it.

Frequently asked questions

What is the notice period in the UAE?

It is between 30 and 90 days, as set in your contract. The same notice applies to you and your employer.

Can I resign without serving notice?

Only if your employer agrees, or in the four cases in Article 45. Otherwise you may have to pay your employer for the days you did not serve.

Do I get paid during my notice period?

Yes. You get your full wage until the notice ends.

Can I take annual leave during my notice period?

Only if your employer agrees. Notice does not run while you are on leave, so your last day moves later.

How long does my employer have to pay my final settlement?

14 days from the day your contract ends.

Is there a labour ban if I resign?

Resigning with proper notice does not normally lead to a work ban. Leaving without proper notice, especially during probation, can lead to a ban on getting a new work permit. If you are unsure, ask MOHRE before you leave.