If you’re working in the UAE and planning to resign from your job, one of the key questions you might have is about the notice period. Specifically, is it legal for a company to ask employees to serve a 3-month notice period? Let’s break it down according to the UAE Labour Law, especially if you’re employed in mainland Dubai or elsewhere in the country.
What Does the UAE Labour Law Say About Notice Periods?
Under Federal Decree Law No. 33 of 2021 on the Regulation of Employment Relations, both the employer and employee have the right to terminate an employment contract, but they must serve a written notice period as stated in the contract.
Minimum and Maximum Notice Periods Allowed
According to Article 43(1) of the UAE Labour Law:
“Either party may terminate the contract for a legitimate reason, by giving written notice. The notice period must be no less than 30 days and no more than 90 days.”
So yes, a three-month notice period is legal—but only if it is clearly stated in your employment contract.
Can You Reduce Your Notice Period to One Month?
Yes, it’s possible, but it must be mutually agreed upon between you and your employer. Article 43(2) of the law states that both parties may agree to waive or shorten the notice period. However, this does not mean you can unilaterally decide to serve a shorter notice.
If you wish to serve only one month instead of the contracted three months, you must:
- Obtain written approval from your employer.
- Or, compensate your employer for the remaining notice period (this is called pay in lieu of notice).
Compensation for Not Serving Full Notice Period
As per Article 43(3):
“If either party fails to comply with the notice period, they must pay the other party a compensation equal to the salary for the full or remaining part of the notice period.”
In other words, if you only serve one month out of a three-month notice, you may need to pay your employer an amount equal to two months of your salary.
Important: Check Your MOHRE-Registered Employment Contract
Your official notice period is based on what is mentioned in your employment contract registered with the Ministry of Human Resources & Emiratisation (MoHRE). If your contract specifies a 3-month notice period, then you are legally obligated to follow it.
If your contract mentions only 30 days, then you’re only required to serve that period—not what your employer verbally demands.
What to Do If Your Employer Insists on an Invalid Notice Period
If your employer is forcing you to serve a longer notice period than what is stated in your MoHRE-registered contract, you have the right to:
- Raise the issue with the MoHRE by filing a labour complaint.
- Seek legal consultation to protect your rights under the UAE Labour Law.
✅ Key Takeaways
- UAE Labour Law allows notice periods between 30 to 90 days.
- A 3-month notice period is legal only if it’s mentioned in your contract.
- You can serve a shorter notice if both parties mutually agree.
- If you fail to serve the full notice, you may have to compensate your employer.
- Always refer to your MoHRE-registered contract to determine your actual notice obligation.
For more expert insights on UAE employment law, stay tuned to our blog. If you need assistance with employment issues or contract review, feel free to contact our team for personalized support.
Tags: UAE Labour Law, UAE notice period, resignation in UAE, employment law UAE, MoHRE contract, UAE job resignation rules