Jobs & Salaries
Contracts, probation, gratuity, salary norms.
Signed by: Sarah Al Qasimi (Lead Editor). Fact-checked by the full editorial team.
What is a good salary in Dubai?
For a single professional: AED 15,000–25,000/month is comfortable. For a family of four: AED 30,000–50,000 covers rent, schooling, and lifestyle. Senior management typically earns AED 50,000–100,000+. UAE has zero income tax — compare take-home pay, not gross. Always negotiate housing allowance into the basic salary for gratuity calculation purposes.
Is end-of-service gratuity mandatory in Dubai?
Yes — under Article 51 of UAE Labour Law, employees completing 1+ years receive 21 basic salary days per year for the first 5 years and 30 days per year thereafter, capped at 2 years' total basic salary. It is calculated on basic salary only, not total package. Resignation with full entitlement applies after 5 years; partial scales apply for 1–5 years.
Source: MOHRE Gratuity CalculatorCan my employer cancel my visa without warning?
During probation (up to 6 months), either party can terminate with 14 days' notice and no stated reason — visa cancellation follows. After probation, the employer must have valid grounds and provide the contractual notice period (typically 30–90 days). Immediate cancellation without cause after probation is a labour violation reportable to MOHRE.
Source: MOHRE Labour ComplaintsWhat is the probation period in UAE employment contracts?
Maximum 6 months under Federal Decree-Law 33 of 2021. During probation, either party can terminate with 14 days' notice (employee) or without cause (employer) on notice. If you resign during probation for a new UAE employer, you must give 1 month's notice and your new employer must compensate the old one for recruitment costs — or a ban may apply.
Source: MOHRE Labour LawAre non-compete clauses enforceable in Dubai?
Yes, under Article 10 of Federal Decree-Law 33 of 2021, non-compete clauses are enforceable for a maximum of 2 years post-employment. They must be reasonable in geographic scope and job type. Courts may reduce unreasonable clauses. If your employer breached the contract first, courts often decline to enforce non-compete clauses against the employee.
Source: MOHRE Labour LawCan I legally have two jobs in Dubai?
Not without your primary employer's written No Objection Certificate (NOC). Violating this is grounds for immediate dismissal and visa cancellation. Exception: if you hold a Freelance Permit or Green Visa, you can take on side work in licensed activities. MOHRE can investigate if a complaint is made by your employer.
What is the Wage Protection System (WPS)?
WPS is a federal electronic salary transfer system requiring all UAE private-sector employers to pay wages via approved banks or exchange houses. It provides MOHRE with a real-time salary payment record. Employers who delay salary by more than 10 days face fines and permit bans. Employees can report non-payment at mohre.gov.ae or via the MOHRE app.
Source: MOHRE WPSHow much annual leave am I entitled to in Dubai?
30 calendar days per year after completing 1 year of service. During the first year, you accrue 2 days per month. During probation, there is no annual leave entitlement unless specified in your contract. Public holidays are additional (approximately 11–14 days per year). Unused leave must be paid out on termination.
Source: MOHRE Annual LeaveCan I be fired while on sick leave in Dubai?
No — employees cannot be dismissed during sick leave. UAE Labour Law allows up to 90 sick days per year: first 15 days full pay, next 30 days half pay, final 45 days unpaid. After 90 days your employer may terminate and pay end-of-service gratuity. You cannot resign and be denied gratuity solely because of illness.
Source: MOHRE Sick LeaveIs my housing allowance taxable in Dubai?
No — the UAE has zero personal income tax. All compensation components including basic salary, housing allowance, transport allowance, and bonuses are received in full. The only deduction relevant to future gratuity calculation is whether your allowances are included in 'basic salary' — negotiate to maximise your basic salary fraction, not the allowance portion.
How do I negotiate a better employment package in Dubai?
Focus on maximising BASIC salary — it is the basis for end-of-service gratuity. Push allowances into basic where possible. Common negotiable items: school fees (1 child), annual flights home, medical for family, housing allowance. Research the MOHRE salary guide for your sector. Salary surveys from Mercer, Robert Half, and Hays cover Dubai in detail.
Can my employer legally keep my passport?
No — passport confiscation by employers is illegal under Federal Decree-Law 9 of 2022 and prior labour law. Any employer retaining your passport commits a criminal offence. Report it to MOHRE immediately via the app, hotline 800 60, or in person. The practice is still occurring in some sectors; victims are protected and should report without fear.
Source: MOHRE Labour Complaints