Probation and notice period in the UAE

Probation

• The maximum probation period under UAE labour law is 6 months
• The employer can end the contract during probation with written notice (at least 14 days)
• An employee who resigns during probation must give notice; moving to another UAE employer requires longer notice (1 month)
• In some cases the new employer compensates the recruitment costs of the previous one

Notice after probation

• Set in the contract, usually between 30 and 90 days
• Both sides must respect it or pay in lieu
• Senior and licensed medical staff often have 60-90 days

What this means for hiring

• Ask every candidate for the real notice period before the interview
• Plan start dates around it, especially for doctors and managers
• Use probation for real evaluation, with clear goals from day one

How we help

We check notice terms before shortlisting and plan realistic start dates. Our fee is one month's salary of the placed employee: 50% when they start and 50% after probation, with a free replacement within 2 months.