Notice Periods in the United Arab Emirates

How much notice is an employee required to give when resigning in the United Arab Emirates?

In the United Arab Emirates, the notice period required for an employee to give when resigning depends on whether they are still within the probationary period or have completed it.

• After the probationary period: An employee must give a notice period as specified in their employment agreement, which should be at least 30 days and no more than 90 days. The notice period is generally the same for both the employer and the employee unless a different arrangement is more favorable to the employee. During this notice period, the employee continues to work and receives their full salary and benefits.

• During the probationary period: Different rules apply. If an employee resigns to leave the UAE, they must provide 14 days' written notice. If the resignation is to join another employer within the UAE, the employee must give 30 days' written notice. In this case, the new employer is generally required to reimburse the former employer for recruitment or contracting costs unless otherwise agreed upon.