UAE’s workforce witnessed a 12.5% increase in 2025 compared to 10.9% in 2024. The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) reveals that this trend continues into the first quarter of 2026. The growth percentage? 2.5%. Along with the workforce, the number of establishments has increased, too, a positive sign of business expansion.
The government knows exactly how to shape the working conditions here for both employees and employers to retain existing talent and invite more.
The MoHRE revises and updates its labor laws regularly to stay ahead and adapt to global shifts. One important aspect of these labor laws is the probation period. If you’re someone who wishes to work in the UAE, already has an offer in hand, or is currently on probation, knowing your rights and rules will help you navigate your career better.
This guide breaks down the meaning, rules, and rights of an employee during probation in the UAE.
Quick Answer: Probation Period in UAE (2026 — Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021, Article 9)
| Rule | Detail |
|---|---|
| Maximum duration | 6 months |
| Minimum duration | Not specified by law (typically 1–3 months) |
| Extension allowed | No — cannot exceed 6 months |
| Second probation (same employer) | Not permitted |
| Employer notice to terminate | 14 days (written) |
| Employee notice (leaving UAE) | 14 days (written) |
| Employee notice (joining another UAE company) | 30 days (written) |
| Paid sick leave during probation | Not entitled — unpaid only |
| Annual leave during probation | Permitted — subject to employer approval |
| Gratuity during probation | Not eligible — requires 1 full year of service |
| Work permit ban for not serving notice | 1 year (exceptions apply) |
Legal basis: Article 9, Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021
What Is the Probation Period?
Probation period is a “trial” employment period at the beginning of a new role. It allows the employer and employee to see if they can work together. The employer has the chance to assess the employee’s skills, performance, and fit. The employee, on the other hand, has the chance to see if the role meets their expectation.
Article 9 of Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021 oversees various aspects of the probation period, like the duration, restriction, and termination.
Duration of Probation
The maximum duration of probation allowed by law is 6 months. Although there is no minimum period specified, it is usually 1 to 3 months. Your employer cannot extend your probation beyond 6 months because it is prohibited by law. The same employer cannot ask you for a second probation.
Once you successfully complete your probation, your employer will have to count these 6 months as part of your service towards the company.
| Term | Law |
| Maximum probation | 6 months |
| Minimum probation | Not specified (1-3 months) |
| Extension of probation period | Not allowed |
| Second probation by the same employer | Not allowed |
Employer’s Rights During Probation
The employer has the right to:
- Assess the employee’s skills.
- Terminate the employee with a written notice.
- Comply with necessary labor laws.
The employer also has to give necessary training to the employee and supervise their work to help them perform better.
Employee’s Rights During Probation
Employees have the right to:
- Receive basic salary
- Be treated equally
- Enjoy legal protection from unfair termination and exploitation
If your employer fails to comply with the rules, you can file a complaint against them.
Salary During Probation Period in UAE
Employees on probation in the UAE receive the same basic salary and contractual allowances as permanent employees. There is no legal provision for a reduced salary during probation — whatever salary was agreed upon in the employment contract must be paid in full from day one.
This includes:
- Basic salary as stated in the contract
- Housing and transport allowances (if applicable)
- Overtime pay if the employee works beyond regular hours
- Other contractual benefits specified in the offer letter
What employees on probation are not entitled to:
- Paid sick leave (sick leave is granted at the employer’s discretion and may be unpaid)
- Guaranteed annual leave (can be taken subject to employer approval)
- End-of-service gratuity (requires 1 full year of completed service)
Termination Rules During Probation
Termination during probation is very simple.
For Employers
The employer requires no specific reason to terminate an employee. However, they do need to give a notice 14 days in advance. If the employee feels they have been wrongfully terminated, they can go to the MoHRE for support.
For Employees
As an employee, you too have to give a 14-day notice period if you’re leaving the country. If you happen to come back within 3 months and join a new employer, your new employer will have to reimburse the original employer’s hiring costs.
What if you want to resign and join another company “without” leaving the UAE?
In this case, you’ll have to serve a 30-day notice period (in writing). Your new employer will have to compensate for the visa and recruitment costs paid by the old employee, unless agreed otherwise.
There’s the catch! If an employee signs a contract stating they’ll bear the cost of hiring and visa upon resignation during probation, their old employer has the right to request compensation.
Important: According to the recent changes, if you do not give a written notice, you can face a one-year ban on your new work permit.
| Termination by | Condition | Notice Period
(notice served in writing) |
| Employer | On fair grounds | 14 days |
| Employee | Wants to leave the UAE | 14 days |
| Employee | Resign and work for new company | 30 days |
What Happens If Termination Occurs Without Notice?
If either party terminates the employment without following the notice requirement, the terminating party must compensate the other. The compensation amount equals either:
- The employee’s salary for the full notice period, or
- The salary for the remaining notice period not served
whichever is applicable. If an employer terminates abruptly without grounds during probation, the employee can file a complaint with MoHRE at 800-60 or through the MOHRE app. Wrongful termination during probation does not forfeit the employee’s right to wages earned and any contractual entitlements accrued up to the termination date.
Work Permit Ban on Resignation During Probation — Who Is Exempt?
If you resign during probation without serving the required notice, you face a 1-year ban on your new UAE work permit. The following categories are exempt from this ban:
| Employee Category | Exempt from Ban? |
|---|---|
| Family-sponsored residency visa holders | Yes |
| UAE Golden Visa holders | Yes |
| Employees with a UAE national sponsor | Yes |
| Employees applying to the same employer for a new permit | Yes |
| Government-required profession/skill holders | Yes |
| All others who do not serve notice | No — 1-year ban applies |
Leaves During Probation
Can you take a leave during your probation? Yes, you can. Will you get paid for it? Maybe not.
Sick Leaves
As per the UAE law, employees who are on probation do not get any sick leave. You can call in sick, but these leaves will be considered “unpaid” and lead to a loss of pay.
Your employer may still give you partially paid leave, depending on their internal policy. However, you will need to show a valid medical certificate for approval.
Annual Leaves
By law, you can use some of your annual leave during the probation period as per the contract. However, your employer has to “approve” it. They can choose to deny it.
Gratuity
Employees are eligible for gratuity or end-of-service benefits only after they complete 1 year of service. You can use a gratuity calculator to calculate the same. Your probation is considered in your service term if you complete it successfully.
If you resign during probation, you will be eligible for compensation for the time you’ve worked. You can also receive payment for any unused annual leave earned during the probation period.
Can the Probation Period Be Extended in UAE?
No. The probation period cannot be extended beyond 6 months under any circumstances as per Article 9 of Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021. If an employer informally extends your probation or asks you to continue without converting to permanent status past the 6-month mark, this is considered a violation of UAE Labour Law.
Additionally:
- The same employer cannot place you on a second probation for the same role
- If you change roles within the same company, a new probation may be agreed upon, but it must still not exceed 6 months in total from the date of the role change
- If a contract is renewed or extended after completion, no new probation period can be imposed for the same job
If you are being held on extended probation beyond 6 months, approach MoHRE immediately.
Final Word
UAE’s probation laws ensure fair practice by both the employees and the employers. Your employer is responsible for clearly stating all the terms in your contract, complying with payroll and wage systems (Wage Protection System), and being transparent.
As an employee, it is your duty to check the contract thoroughly before signing, understand all terms, and follow the protocols. If you feel you’ve been wronged by your employer, you can approach the MoHRE to resolve the matter.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the probation period in UAE?
The probation period in the UAE is a trial employment phase at the start of a new role, regulated by Article 9 of Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021. It cannot exceed 6 months. During this period, both employer and employee assess whether the working relationship suits them.
How long is the probation period in UAE?
The maximum probation period in the UAE is 6 months. There is no legally defined minimum, though most companies set it at 1–3 months. The period cannot be extended beyond 6 months, and the same employer cannot impose a second probation period.
What is the notice period during probation in UAE?
If the employer terminates the employee during probation, they must give 14 days’ written notice. If the employee resigns and is leaving the UAE, they must give 14 days’ notice. If the employee resigns to join another company in the UAE, they must give 30 days’ written notice.
Can I take sick leave during my probation period in UAE?
No. Employees on probation are not entitled to paid sick leave under UAE Labour Law. Absences due to illness during probation are treated as unpaid leave. Some employers may grant discretionary sick leave based on their internal HR policy, but this is not a legal right.
Do I get paid during my probation period in UAE?
Yes. Employees receive their full contractual salary and allowances during probation — the law does not permit a reduced salary during the probation period. What you don’t receive are end-of-service gratuity entitlements, as those require at least 1 full year of service.
Can my employer terminate me during probation without reason?
Yes. Under UAE Labour Law, employers do not need to provide a specific reason for terminating an employee during probation. However, they must give 14 days’ written notice. If you believe the termination was arbitrary or discriminatory, you can raise a complaint with MoHRE.
Can the probation period be extended in UAE?
No. The probation period cannot exceed 6 months under any circumstances. An employer cannot unilaterally extend it or impose a second probation on the same employee for the same role.
What happens if I resign during probation and don’t serve the notice period?
If you resign without serving the required notice (14 or 30 days, depending on whether you’re leaving the UAE or staying), you may face a 1-year ban on your new UAE work permit. Certain categories — golden visa holders, family-sponsored residents, and employees in government-required professions — are exempt from this ban.
Am I entitled to annual leave during probation?
You may take annual leave during probation if it is mentioned in your contract and your employer approves it. Employers have the right to deny annual leave requests during the probation period.
Does the probation period count toward gratuity in UAE?
Yes. If you successfully complete your probation and reach 1 full year of service, the probation months are included in the gratuity calculation. However, if you leave before completing 1 year of total service, you are not entitled to end-of-service gratuity.
