The first months of any job matter most: your employer is assessing you, and you are assessing the workplace. Knowing the official rules protects you from rushed decisions, whether you are thinking of resigning or worried about termination.
The key rules
| Situation | Rule |
|---|---|
| Probation length | No more than 6 months; cannot be extended |
| Employer ends the contract | 14 days' written notice |
| Moving to another employer in the UAE | At least one month's written notice |
| Resigning and leaving the UAE | 14 days' written notice |
| After passing probation | The period counts towards your service |
What about recruitment costs?
According to the official portal, if a worker moves to a new employer in the UAE during probation, the new employer compensates the previous one for recruitment costs unless otherwise agreed. If the worker leaves the country and returns on a new work permit within 3 months, the new employer bears those costs unless otherwise agreed.
Sick leave during probation
Under the law, a worker is not entitled to paid sick leave during probation. After probation, they are entitled to up to 90 days a year: 15 days on full pay, then 30 days on half pay, and the rest unpaid.
How to pass probation successfully
- Understand the assessment criteria early: ask your manager in week one what success in this role looks like within 3 months.
- Be punctual and follow procedures: the probation impression is built on reliability before creativity.
- Ask for regular feedback instead of waiting for the final review.
- Learn the systems fast: in customer service, for example, mastering Call Flow and the CRM shortens the path.
- Record your achievements in numbers to use in your review and later on your CV.
Official sources
- Employment contracts: duration and models in the private sector (u.ae)
- Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021 on the Regulation of Employment Relations (u.ae) (Article 31 on sick leave)
This article is general guidance, not legal advice. Rules can change, so always check the official sources or contact the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (600590000) about your specific case.
Start your job ready
If your next job is in customer service, the Live Customer Service Course trains you hands-on in calls, Call Flow and complaint handling before day one, so you start probation with confidence. See also what to check in your employment contract.
FAQ
How long is probation in the UAE?
No more than 6 months in the private sector, and it cannot be extended.
Can I be dismissed during probation?
The employer can end the contract during probation, provided it gives the worker 14 days' written notice.
What notice do I give if I resign during probation?
At least one month if you are moving to another employer in the UAE, and 14 days if you are leaving the country.