Under Article 9 of UAE Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021, an employee's probation period cannot exceed 6 continuous months. Learn the exact notice periods, employer obligations, and separation rights.
Article 9: Statutory Probation Provisions
Max 6 Months
The probation period is a designated evaluation term allowing both employer and employee to assess suitability. Under UAE Labour Law:
Maximum Duration: The probation period shall not exceed 6 consecutive months and cannot be extended or imposed more than once by the same employer.
Gratuity Entitlement: Service completed during a successfully passed probation period is credited toward your total continuous service duration under limited contract gratuity calculations.
Absence & Leave: Sick leave or unpaid leave taken during probation is added to extend the probation period by an equivalent number of days.
Notice Requirements
Notice Periods for Termination During Probation
Legal notice requirements when either party terminates during the 6-month probation
Initiating Party
Scenario Description
Statutory Written Notice
Recruitment Cost Compensation
Employer Termination
Employer terminates the contract during probation
14 Calendar Days written notice
Employer pays full repatriation ticket if applicable (Article 52)
Employee Resignation (Joining New UAE Employer)
Worker resigns during probation to take another job in UAE
30 Calendar Days written notice
New employer must reimburse recruitment costs to the former employer
Employee Resignation (Leaving UAE)
Worker resigns during probation to leave the UAE permanently
14 Calendar Days written notice
No recruitment reimbursement required
Plan Your Post-Probation Entitlements
Once you pass your 6-month probation period, you begin accruing continuous service towards your 1-year gratuity threshold and accrued annual leave days.
