What Are the Essential Requirements for a UAE Employment Contract?

Key Takeaways

• All employment contracts in UAE must be limited-term (fixed-term) under the new labour law
• Contracts must be registered with MOHRE within 14 days of signing
• Notice period must be between 30-90 days as specified in the employment contract

UAE employment contracts must be fixed-term agreements not exceeding 3 years under Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021. All contracts require written documentation, MOHRE registration, and must specify basic salary, job duties, working hours, and termination terms. Unlimited contracts are no longer permitted for new hires as of January 2025.Understanding UAE Employment Contract FrameworkEmployment contracts

form the legal foundation of all working relationships in the UAE's private sector. The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) oversees contract compliance to protect both employer and employee rights.Every employment relationship must be governed by a comprehensive written agreement that clearly defines rights, responsibilities, and working conditions. This documentation provides legal

protection and prevents workplace disputes.Types of UAE Employment ContractsFixed-Term Contracts (Mandatory)Duration Limit: Maximum 3 years Renewal Option: Can be extended or renewed for similar periods Service Calculation: Extensions count toward total service time Legal Requirement: All new contracts must follow this formatLegacy Unlimited ContractsConversion Requirement: Must be converted to fixed-term

by specified deadline Existing Rights: Current unlimited contract holders retain existing terms Transition Period: Employers have limited time to update contracts Notice Periods: Vary based on service duration (30-90 days)Specialized Contract TypesPart-Time Contracts: Specific hours or days per week Temporary Contracts: Project-based with completion date Flexible Work Arrangements: Adaptable hours

based on business needs Remote Work Contracts: Home or hybrid working arrangements Job Sharing Contracts: Multiple employees sharing one positionMandatory Contract ElementsEmployee InformationFull Name: Complete legal name as per Emirates ID Nationality: Country of citizenship Qualification Details: Education and professional certifications Job Title: Specific position and level Department: Work division

or team assignmentEmployment TermsContract Duration: Start and end dates (maximum 3 years) Probation Period: Maximum 6 months (non-extendable) Working Hours: Daily and weekly hour requirements Rest Days: Weekly off days and public holidays Work Location: Primary workplace addressCompensation StructureBasic Salary: Monthly base wage (minimum 60% of total package) Housing Allowance: Accommodation support

if provided Transportation Allowance: Travel cost coverage Other Benefits: Additional perks and bonuses Payment Schedule: Monthly, weekly, or other frequencyLeave EntitlementsAnnual Leave: 30 days after one year of service Sick Leave: 90 days maximum per year (structured payment) Maternity Leave: 60 days for female employees Public Holidays: All official UAE holidays Special Leave: Hajj, bereavement,

and study leaveContract Registration RequirementsMOHRE Registration ProcessMandatory Registration: All contracts must be registered with MOHRE Documentation:...

About This Article

This article provides general information about UAE labour law and employment regulations. The information is based on Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021 and subsequent amendments. For specific legal advice regarding your situation, please consult with a qualified legal professional or contact the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE).