Can your employer legally fire you during probation in the UAE? Yes — but only if they follow specific procedures laid out by federal law. Here is exactly what the law requires.
If you are on probation with a mainland company in the UAE, your employer cannot simply let you go without following a clear legal process. Under Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021, there are strict obligations that every employer must meet before ending your contract during the probation period.
Key Takeaway
UAE employers must give a minimum 14 days’ written notice before terminating an employee during probation, settle all outstanding dues up to the last working day, and provide an experience certificate upon request. Failure to comply with any of these steps violates UAE Employment Law.
How Long Can Probation Last in the UAE?
Under Article 9(1) of the UAE Employment Law, an employer may place a worker under probation for a maximum of six months from the date work begins. This is a firm cap — no extension beyond six months is permitted.
During this period, the employer is assessing your suitability for the role. But that assessment power comes with legal responsibilities. If your employer decides you are not the right fit, they cannot simply walk you out the door.
For a full breakdown of what you are entitled to during this phase, read our UAE Probation Period Guide: 7 Essential Rights and Rules.
What Notice Must an Employer Give?
This is the most critical requirement. According to Article 9(1) of the Employment Law:
The employer may terminate the service of the worker during this period after notifying the latter of the same in writing 14 days at least before the date specified for the termination of service.
That means a verbal conversation or an informal message is not sufficient. The notice must be:
- Written (email, letter, or official document)
- Delivered at least 14 days before the termination date
If your employer fails to give proper notice, they may be liable for a notice period allowance — effectively, your salary for the notice period they did not honour.
What Dues Must Be Settled?
Once termination is confirmed, the employer is legally obligated to pay all outstanding amounts earned up to your final working day. Under Article 29(3) of the UAE Employment Law, this includes:
Unpaid salary — Any wages earned but not yet paid must be cleared in full.
Accrued annual leave — If you accumulated leave days during probation and did not use them, you are entitled to cash compensation. The law specifically states that employees retain the right to be compensated for their remaining annual leave balance even if they did not pass probation.
Notice period salary — If the employer terminates your contract without giving the full 14-day notice, they owe you the salary equivalent for the remaining notice days.
This is worth knowing: many employees assume probation means zero entitlements. That is incorrect. Your rights to accrued pay and leave balance remain protected under the law.
For more on what your employment contract should cover, including leave and notice terms, review our detailed checklist.
Are You Entitled to an Experience Certificate?
Yes. Under Article 13(11) of the UAE Employment Law, your employer must provide an experience certificate once your contract ends — as long as you request it.
The certificate must include:
- Your start and end dates of employment
- Total duration of service
- Job title or the type of work performed
- Last salary received
- Reason the contract ended
Critically, the employer cannot include anything that could damage your reputation or limit your chances of finding a new job. This protection is written directly into the law.
If your employer refuses to issue this certificate or includes harmful statements, you have grounds to file a complaint with MoHRE.
What If You Want to Resign During Probation Instead?
The rules differ depending on whether you plan to stay in the UAE or leave the country. If you are joining another UAE employer, you must provide one month’s written notice, and the new employer must compensate your previous employer for recruitment costs.
If you intend to leave the UAE, you need to give 14 days’ written notice.
We cover this topic in detail in our guide on resigning during probation in Dubai.
FAQ: UAE Probation Termination Rules
Can my employer fire me during probation without any notice?
No. UAE law requires a minimum of 14 days’ written notice. If your employer fails to provide this, they must compensate you with the equivalent salary for the notice period.
Do I get end-of-service gratuity if I am terminated during probation?
Gratuity is typically calculated after completing one year of continuous service. If you are terminated during probation (which is capped at six months), you would not qualify for gratuity. However, all other dues — salary, leave balance, and notice pay — must be settled. Learn more about severance and gratuity calculations.
Is sick leave paid during probation in the UAE?
Sick leave during probation is allowed but unpaid. Article 31 of the Employment Law confirms this right without salary compensation. Read our full guide on UAE sick leave rules.
Can my employer extend the probation period beyond six months?
No. The law caps the probation period at six months from your start date. Any attempt to extend beyond this limit is not legally valid.
What should I do if my employer does not settle my dues after probation termination?
You can file a complaint with the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE). They mediate employment disputes and can escalate unresolved matters to labour court.
Can my employer refuse to give me an experience certificate?
No. Under Article 13(11), the employer is legally required to issue an experience certificate upon request. They also cannot include negative remarks that could harm your future job prospects.
Further Reading
- UAE Probation Period Guide: 7 Essential Rights and Rules
- Resigning During Probation in Dubai: Do Employees Pay Visa and Hiring Costs?
- UAE Employee Dismissal Rights and Compensation Guide 2025
- UAE Notice Period Rules: Essential Guide for Employers & Employees
- UAE Employment Contracts: Guide to Severance Packages & Gratuity
- Download UAE Labour Contract Free: Complete MOHRE Online Guide
This article provides general information based on UAE Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021. For advice specific to your situation, consult a qualified legal professional or contact MoHRE directly.
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