What Is the Maximum Probation Period Allowed Under UAE Labour Law?

Key facts

The specifics, before the explanation.

• Maximum probation length: 6 months from your actual start date
• Employer-initiated termination during probation requires at least 14 days' written notice
• Paid sick leave is not automatically guaranteed during probation the same way it is afterward
• Probation terms must be specified in your MOHRE-registered employment contract
• An employee can typically resign during probation, though specific notice rules can differ from the post-probation standard

What this actually means

Six months is the statutory ceiling, not a default; some employers set shorter probation periods, and a small number of contracts state none at all. Whatever your contract specifies is what applies, so it's worth reading that clause specifically rather than assuming the full six months automatically applies to your role.

The 14-day notice requirement during probation is a real protection that candidates often don't know about: even in a probationary period, your employer can't simply walk you out the same day without documented notice, except in the narrow list of serious-cause circumstances that allow immediate dismissal at any stage of employment.

Probation is also the period where some entitlements, like paid sick leave, work differently from the rest of your employment. If something significant comes up, health issues, a family emergency, it's worth having a direct conversation with HR about what specifically applies during your probation window rather than assuming full post-probation rights are already active.

What to actually do

Rules and figures move. Confirm anything time-sensitive with the official regulator before you rely on it.

• Check your contract's specific probation length — it can be shorter than the 6-month legal maximum
• Know that even during probation, your employer owes you at least 14 days' written notice to end the contract
• Ask HR directly what applies to sick leave and other entitlements while you're still on probation
• Keep any termination notice you receive during probation in writing, with the date clearly stated
• If you're let go during probation with no notice at all, that's worth raising with MOHRE or a labour lawyer

Frequently asked questions

Can I be fired instantly during probation with no notice?

No, except in specific serious-cause circumstances defined by law. Standard probation termination still requires at least 14 days' written notice.

Do I get gratuity if I leave during probation?

Generally no — gratuity requires at least one full year of continuous service, so leaving during probation typically doesn't qualify.

Can my probation period be extended beyond 6 months?

The 6-month figure is a legal maximum, so an employer generally cannot extend probation beyond that limit under the current law.

Sources

Referenced for this guide:

• Al Ramsy Advocates: Notice Period In UAE Labour Law (30-90 Days)