The importance of the notice period in UAE becomes clear when either an employee leaves or an employer terminates an employee’s tenure. All employees need to adhere to the rules in the UAE Labour Law 2025 while ending their contract. Correctly serving the notice period helps ensure the transition is done without causing any issues for either side.
If someone is on probation, their employer has to give notice 14 ahead; employees, however, are expected to give at least 30 days notice when they resign. Those who obey the law can ensure no disputes and the settlements will be handled appropriately.
This blog provides all the information on the notice period rules in the UAE, including changes brought by the updated labour law for 2025.
What is the Notice Period for Unlimited Contract in UAE?
There is a chance that employees may want to quit their jobs in the UAE for more attractive opportunities. It is necessary to learn about the notice period in the UAE to guarantee that employees leave their jobs properly and legally.
Forewarning the employer enables all important processes like finding new hires, transferring information, and settling with the company to occur easily and smoothly.
Employees who have an unlimited contract should inform their employer 30 days before leaving work. It is allowed to cancel the contract right away in some circumstances listed in Article 121, such as when the employer does not fulfill the contract or does not pay wages.
Employers are not allowed to ask for more than a 30-day notice period, except if both parties agree to it in writing, since it would go against the employment contract.
Update: If an employee works in DIFC or ADGM in UAE DIFC Employment Law (DIFC Law No. 2 of 2019, as amended in 2023 and applied in 2025), they should know that labour laws are somewhat different. Although 30 days notice is generally expected, the same law from the DIFC requires at least one month’s notice in the employment contract.
What is the Notice Period on Termination?
Article 43 indicates that any party, the employer or the employee, may terminate the employment agreement for any legitimate reason as long as they can show:
- Whichever side is dissolving the employment contract must provide a notice in advance
- The notice period should be provided one to 3 months prior
It is important to remember that an employer can check the contract of employment whether it is stated in it or not. Additionally, an employer is free to waive the notice period. Rest all the negotiation may depend on both the parties and the situation.
What is the Notice period for Limited Contract in UAE?
The minimum notice period in UAE in 2025 an employee has to serve under a limited contract in the UAE is 30 days. You have to make sure that everything between you and your previous employer settles before you join the new organization.
- The employment agreement will remain in force even during the notice period.
- If it is demanded by the employer the employee must put in time during this period.
- According to Article 43 of the UAE Labour Law, if the notice period is not served thereby violating either of the parties, the non-breaching party must provide reimbursement to another party known as “Notice Period Allowance.”
Termination of contract without notice by the employer
According to the New UAE Labour Law, Article 44 addresses the unexpected termination of employees from their job roles. There are a few instances under which a company can terminate or fire an employee:
- If an employee presents a misleading or fraud document to the employer.
- When an employee’s actions have damaged the employer. The damage can be either physical or financial. After the employee admits it, an employer must inform the MoHRE of the event within 7 days.
- If an employee didn’t follow the rules of the organization despite continuous warnings.
- In the event, an employee breaks the employment contract.
- If the employee assaults the manager, co-worker or any other employee of the company.
- If an employee uses their authority for their personal gain.
- If it turns out that the employee is working for another company without telling anyone.
What is the Notice Period during Probation in UAE?
An employee may stay in a probationary period for a total of 6 months in the UAE.
During this period the employer has the right to terminate the employee by informing them 14 days in advance. According to the Section 9 (1) of the Employment Law:
- The employer cannot extend the period of probation from six months from their date of joining. By providing an advance notice period of 14 days an employer can terminate the employee.
How Zimyo Helps In Managing Notice Period in UAE
The process of managing notice periods and offboarding people takes a lot of time if you do not have helpful tools. Automation, smoother exit procedures, and compliance with the law are possible for employers in the UAE using Zimyo’s HR software.
Integrated registration arrangements, on-time updates etc allow HR and their staff to take care of departures professionally.
Why 2500+ Customers Trust Zimyo
Conclusion
All parties involved should understand the notice period in the UAE to be sure the relationship ends in an appropriate way. If an employee is under any contract or on probation, remember that giving 30 days’ notice is both required by law and is good work ethics.
When an employee respects the correct notice period rules, they protect their job rights, avoid getting into disputes, and are ready to take on another opportunity after seperating.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
An employee has to serve a notice period of 30 to 90 days in case of resignation in the UAE.
Employees has to provide 14 days advance notice period. They are required to serve a notice period of one month. However, if both the parties agree this notice period can be eliminated.
Article 30 of UAE Labour Law states that an employee has to serve a notice period of one month (30 days) to three months (90 days).
If the employer wants to terminate the employee he has to inform the employee 14 days prior.
