Is a Three-Month Notice Period Legally Required in Dubai?Here’s What the UAE Labour Law Says

Shahba Mayyeri -

If you work for a mainland Dubai-based company and are required to serve a three-month notice period after resigning, you may wonder whether this is legally enforceable under UAE Labour Law.

What Does UAE Labour Law Say?

Under Article 43(1) of Federal Decree Law No. 33 of 2021 on the Regulation of Employment Relations, employees must serve a notice period ranging from 30 to 90 days, depending on what is stipulated in their employment contract.

This means that if your contract explicitly states a three-month notice period, you are legally required to fulfill it unless both you and your employer mutually agree to reduce it.

Can You Reduce Your Notice Period?

Yes, under Article 43(2) of the UAE Labour Law, both the employer and employee can agree to shorten the notice period. However, if an employee leaves before completing the notice period, they may have to compensate the employer for the remaining time.

According to Article 43(3):

  • If either party does not adhere to the agreed notice period, they must compensate the other party with "pay in lieu of notice."
  • This compensation is required even if the early departure does not cause financial harm to the employer.

What Happens If You Only Serve One Month?

If your contract mandates three months but you want to leave after one month, you must obtain employer approval. Otherwise, you may be required to compensate your employer for the remaining two months.

If your employer imposes a longer notice period than stated in your contract, or if a dispute arises regarding notice obligations, you can:

  • Negotiate with your employer for a mutually agreeable solution.
  • File a complaint with the Ministry of Human Resources & Emiratisation (MoHRE).

Always review your employment contract before resigning and seek legal advice if needed.

News Source: Khaleej Times