The probation period in UAE is a trial phase of up to six months at the start of employment, governed by Article 9 of Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021 and enforced by MOHRE. During probation, an employer can end the contract with 14 days’ written notice. An employee can resign with one month’s notice to join another UAE employer, or 14 days’ notice to leave the country. Probation cannot be extended or repeated with the same employer.
These rules apply to private-sector employers on the mainland, including Dubai and Abu Dhabi, and in most free zones. DIFC and ADGM follow their own laws, covered below.
Probation Period in UAE at A Glance
| Rule | What the law says |
|---|---|
| Maximum duration | 6 months from the actual start date |
| Extension | Not allowed; the same employer cannot repeat probation |
| Employer ends the contract | 14 days’ written notice |
| Employee joins another UAE employer | 1 month’s written notice; the new employer compensates the current employer for recruitment costs, unless agreed otherwise |
| Employee leaves the UAE | 14 days’ written notice |
| Notice not served | The party in breach pays the employee’s wage for the notice period, or the unserved part |
| Leaving the UAE without notice | Possible one-year ban on a new work permit |
| Sick leave | Unpaid, on a medical report |
| Gratuity | Needs 1 year of continuous service; probation counts if the employee stays on |
What is A Probation Period in UAE?
A probation period is an assessment window written into the employment contract. The employer evaluates the employee’s performance, skills and conduct, and the employee decides whether the role suits them.
Probation is optional. The law caps it at six months but doesn’t require it, so employers can set a shorter period or none at all. It changes how the contract can end, not the person’s employment status: obligations on wages, working hours and rest days apply from day one. For the full picture, see our guide to HR setup in the UAE.
Probation Period Rules Under UAE Labour Law
1. The maximum probation period is six months
Probation cannot exceed six months from the employee’s actual start date. A shorter period is allowed, and the offer letter and MOHRE contract should state the same length.
2. Probation cannot be extended or repeated
An employer cannot extend probation or place the same worker on probation twice, even after a move to a new role. If the employee stays on, the probation months count toward total service.
3. Employer termination needs 14 days’ written notice
The decision must not be discriminatory, so base it on documented performance reviews. Dismissal without notice for serious misconduct under Article 44 is possible at any stage of employment, not only during probation.
4. Resigning to join another UAE employer needs one month’s notice
Once notice is served, the new employer compensates the current employer for recruitment or contracting costs, unless agreed otherwise. These costs cannot be passed on to the employee.
5. Resigning to leave the UAE needs 14 days’ notice
If the employee returns on a new work permit within three months of leaving, the new employer compensates the original employer for recruitment costs, unless agreed otherwise.
6. Skipping notice has consequences on both sides
The party that doesn’t serve notice pays the other the employee’s wage for the notice period, or for the unserved part. A foreign worker who leaves the UAE without notice may be refused a new work permit for one year. For how claims are resolved, see our explainer on labour disputes.
7. Sick leave during probation is unpaid
The employer may grant unpaid sick leave on a medical report. After probation, employees are entitled to up to 90 days a year: 15 days on full pay, 30 on half pay and 45 unpaid.
8. Gratuity and final settlement
Gratuity requires one year of continuous service, so it is generally not payable when a contract ends during probation. Outstanding wages and dues, including leave salary for accrued leave, must still be paid within 14 days of the contract ending.
How to Calculate The Probation End Date
Add six months to the actual start date; probation ends the day before. If the contract sets a shorter period, use that instead.
| Step | Example |
|---|---|
| Actual start date | 15 January 2026 |
| Latest probation end date | 14 July 2026 |
| Last day to serve 14-day notice so the exit falls within probation | 30 June 2026 |
Notice Period During Probation vs After Probation
| During probation | After probation | |
|---|---|---|
| Employer ends the contract | 14 days’ written notice | As per contract: 30–90 days |
| Employee resigns | 1 month (joining a UAE employer) or 14 days (leaving the UAE) | As per contract: 30–90 days |
| Paid sick leave | None | Up to 90 days a year |
| Gratuity | Not payable | Payable after 1 year of continuous service |
Probation Rules in DIFC And ADGM
Most free zones follow the federal law. The exceptions are DIFC, where Employment Law No. 2 of 2019 also caps probation at six months, and ADGM, where the Employment Regulations 2024 allow up to six months’ probation and one week’s written notice from either side. Disputes in both zones go to their own courts rather than MOHRE.
How Zimyo Helps You Manage Probation
Zimyo’s HR software is used by 2,500+ organisations across 40+ countries. HR teams can track probation end dates with automatic reminders , run probation reviews in the performance module, and process final settlements through payroll and WPS.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the probation period in UAE?
A trial period of up to six months at the start of employment, set out in Article 9 of Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021. Either side can end the contract with shorter notice than usual, but written notice is still required.
Can a probation period be extended in UAE?
No. Probation cannot exceed six months, and the same employer cannot repeat it.
Can I resign during probation in UAE?
Yes. Give at least one month’s written notice if you are joining another UAE employer, or 14 days’ if you are leaving the UAE.
Is there a labour ban if I resign during probation?
Only if a foreign worker leaves the UAE without serving the required notice. In that case, a new work permit may be refused for one year.
Do I get gratuity if I leave during probation?
Generally no. Gratuity requires one year of continuous service, though probation months count toward it if you stay on.
What happens after six months of probation?
Employment continues under the contract, and the contractual notice period of 30 to 90 days applies from then on. Probation cannot be extended.
