Probation Period
Article 9
Probation may not exceed six months. If an employer terminates during probation, written notice of at least 14 days is required.
UAE LABOUR LAW
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ProbationLeaveWagesEOSB
Educational reference. This page summarizes common provisions of Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021 and its Executive Regulation. Always check the latest official legislation and the facts of the individual case before making a legal or HR decision.
Normal Working Hours
Article 17
The general statutory limit is eight hours per day or 48 hours per week, subject to exceptions and the Executive Regulation.
Ramadan Working Hours
Executive Regulation
Normal working hours are reduced by two hours during Ramadan under the Executive Regulation.
Total Wage Deductions
Article 25
Where there are multiple lawful reasons for deductions, the total deduction may not exceed 50% of the wage.
Annual Leave
Article 29
Employees are entitled to at least 30 days of annual leave for each year of extended service. Additional rules apply for service below one year.
Maternity Leave
Article 30
The Labour Relations Law provides statutory maternity leave and related protections. Conditions and additional leave situations should be checked against the current text.
End-of-Service Gratuity
Article 51
A foreign full-time worker completing at least one year of continuous service is entitled to gratuity based on last basic wage: 21 days per year for the first five years and 30 days thereafter. Unpaid absence is excluded; the total gratuity is capped at two years' wage.
Final Entitlements
Article 53
The employer must pay wages and other statutory entitlements within 14 days from the end of the contract.
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