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UAE notice period calculator
When your contract really ends, and how much notice pay is owed if the notice is not served, under Article 43 of the UAE Labour Law.
Notice pay
UAE notice period rules (Article 43)
| Point | Rule |
|---|---|
| Length | As in the contract: at least 30, at most 90 days |
| Form | In writing |
| Pay during notice | Full last wage |
| Notice not kept | Wage for the notice period, or the part not served |
| Employer ended it | 1 unpaid day a week to look for work (tell 3 days before) |
Example: wage AED 8,000, 30 days of notice, the employer told you to stop after 10 days: 20 days not served × 8,000 ÷ 30 = AED 5,333 of notice pay owed to you.
Add it to everything else you are owed with the UAE final settlement calculator.
Sources (checked October 2026): Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021 (u.ae). Laws change, and the ministry or a court gives the final figure.
Notice pay examples (wage AED 9,000)
| Notice in the contract | Days not served | Notice pay |
|---|---|---|
| 30 days | 30 | AED 9,000 |
| 30 days | 15 | AED 4,500 |
| 60 days | 40 | AED 12,000 |
| 90 days | 90 | AED 27,000 |
Resignation or termination: who pays whom
- You resign and leave before your last working day: you owe the employer the wage for the days not served.
- The employer ends it (termination) and tells you to stop at once: the employer owes you the wage for the days not served.
- Both sides can agree to a shorter notice in writing, but your rights for the notice period in the contract stay.
Sources (checked October 2026): Gulf News: UAE notice period rules, Khaleej Times: not serving the notice period. Laws change, and the ministry or a court gives the final figure.
Questions
Is notice pay based on basic or gross salary?
On your full last wage, including allowances (Article 43(4)). It is not the basic salary used for gratuity.
Does the notice period count for gratuity?
Yes. The contract stays valid during the notice, so those days are part of your service.
What is my last working day?
The day the notice period ends, unless both sides agree to end earlier. The calculator works it out from the date the notice was given.
How long is the notice period in the UAE?
What your contract says, but at least 30 days and at most 90 days (Article 43(1)). The notice must be in writing.
Am I paid during the notice period?
Yes. You get your full wage, on your last wage, and you work if the employer asks (Article 43(2)).
What if the notice is not kept?
The side that does not keep it pays the other the wage for the whole notice period or the part not served. This is the notice period allowance (Article 43(3)).
Can we agree to a shorter notice?
Yes, both sides can agree to skip or shorten it, but your rights for the notice period in the contract stay (Article 43(2)).
My employer ended my contract. Can I look for a job during the notice?
Yes. You may be absent one working day a week without pay to look for work. Tell the employer at least 3 days before (Article 43(5)).
Can I be dismissed without notice?
Only for the serious reasons in Article 44, after a written investigation and a written, reasoned decision.