UAE employment contracts are governed by UAE Labour Law (Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021). Here is the complete 2025 guide to UAE employment contracts.
UAE Employment Contract Types
Under UAE Labour Law 2021, employment contracts are classified as: Fixed-term contracts: now the standard contract type in the UAE (the previous unlimited-term contract category was replaced). Fixed-term contracts can be for up to 3 years (renewable). Even long-term employment must be structured as a renewed fixed-term contract. Part-time contracts: allowed under UAE Labour Law 2021. Employees can work part-time for multiple employers with MOHRE approval.
Mandatory Contract Terms
UAE employment contracts must include: employer and employee names and identification details, position/job title and description, date of commencement, place of work, working hours, salary (basic, allowances, and total), annual leave entitlement (minimum 30 days/year under UAE Labour Law), notice period (minimum 30 days for most employees, up to 90 days for senior employees), and end-of-service gratuity entitlement reference. Language: contracts must be in Arabic (or bilingual Arabic/English). If only in English: the Arabic version takes precedence in case of dispute.
UAE Probation Period Rules
UAE Labour Law allows a probation period of up to 6 months (previously also 6 months — this is unchanged). During probation: employer can terminate with 14 days notice (no gratuity obligation). Employee can terminate: with 14 days notice if they plan to leave the UAE, or with 30 days notice if they want to join another UAE employer. After probation ends: standard notice periods and gratuity accrual apply.