Job Contract Template for the United Arab Emirates

A Job Contract in the United Arab Emirates is a legally binding agreement that establishes the employment relationship between you and your employee. Under UAE Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021, this document must clearly define all terms and conditions of employment, ensuring compliance with local labor laws while protecting both employer and employee rights.

When do you need this document?

You need a Job Contract when hiring any employee in the UAE, whether they are UAE nationals or expatriate workers. This includes full-time permanent positions, fixed-term contracts, and part-time arrangements. The contract is mandatory for visa processing and work permit applications through the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE). You also need this document when promoting existing employees to new roles, converting contract types from limited to unlimited term, or updating employment terms to comply with recent legislative changes.

Key legal considerations

Your Job Contract must include several mandatory provisions under UAE law. The probation period cannot exceed six months and must be clearly stated in the contract. Working hours are strictly regulated, with a maximum of eight hours per day and 48 hours per week, though this may be reduced to six hours during Ramadan. You must specify the employee's basic salary, housing allowance, transportation allowance, and any other benefits. The contract must outline annual leave entitlements (minimum 30 days after one year of service), sick leave provisions, and end of service gratuity calculations. Notice periods for termination vary based on contract duration and must comply with statutory minimums. Additionally, the contract should include non-compete clauses if applicable, though these are subject to specific legal limitations in the UAE.

Legal requirements in United Arab Emirates

UAE law requires all employment contracts to be in Arabic or bilingual Arabic-English format. The contract must be registered with MOHRE within 60 days of the employee's entry into the UAE. For expatriate employees, the contract is essential for obtaining residence visas and Emirates ID. You must specify whether the contract is for a limited term (with a specific end date) or unlimited term (permanent employment). The document must clearly state the employee's nationality, as different provisions may apply to UAE nationals versus expatriates, particularly regarding social security contributions under UAE Federal Law No. 7 of 1999. All contracts must comply with Ministerial Resolution No. 47 of 2022 regarding wage protection systems and salary payment methods. The employer must also ensure compliance with immigration requirements under UAE Federal Law No. 6 of 1973 when hiring foreign workers.