What is probation in UAE?
Probation is an initial evaluation period at the start of employment. Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021 allows employers and employees to agree a probation period in the contract.
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ArcHR
UAE Probation Calculator
Max 180 days probation — 14-day notice during probation.
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DD/MM/YYYY: 21/09/2026
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Legal basis
Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021 — maximum 6-month probation; 14-day notice to terminate during probation.
Maximum probation period — 6 months
UAE law caps probation at six months (180 days). The contract must state the agreed duration. Probation cannot exceed this maximum even by mutual agreement.
Notice during probation — 14 days
Either party may terminate during probation by giving 14 days' written notice unless the contract specifies otherwise within legal limits.
Rights after probation
After probation ends, standard notice periods (minimum 30 days), gratuity accrual, and full leave entitlements apply under Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021.
ArcHR probation tracking
ArcHR stores probation end dates per employee and alerts HR before probation expires — so confirmations and contract updates are not missed.
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Frequently asked questions
Six months (180 days) under Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021.
14 days' written notice by either party.
No — it cannot exceed six months total.
Gratuity accrues after completing one year of service — typically post-probation.
Only within the 14-day notice rule or for gross misconduct per contract and law.
Yes — the agreed probation period should be stated in the employment contract.
Yes — end dates and HR alerts before expiry.
Employee moves to standard employment terms — notice, leave, and gratuity rules apply.
Never miss a probation end date.
ArcHR tracks probation periods for every employee and alerts HR before confirmation deadlines.