How to Resign From a Job in the UAE (Notice Period + Resignation Letter Template)

Resigning sounds simple — until you realise that doing it the wrong way in the UAE can cost you your end-of-service gratuity, delay your next visa, or even leave a mark on your record. The good news: if you follow the proper steps, leaving a job here is straightforward and your rights are well protected under the law.

This guide explains how notice periods work, how to protect your gratuity, what to avoid, and gives you a resignation letter template you can adapt.

How much notice do you have to give?

Your notice period is set by your employment contract, within the limits of UAE Labour Law (Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021). The common rules are:

• After probation: typically 30 to 90 days, as stated in your contract. Thirty days is the most common.
• During probation: if you are moving to another UAE employer, you generally give 1 month's notice; if you are leaving the country, 14 days.

You must serve the full notice period unless your employer agrees in writing to waive or shorten it. Leaving without serving notice can expose you to compensation claims. Read your contract carefully, and check your full entitlements in our UAE Labour Law guide and contract types guide.

Resign in writing — always

A verbal resignation is not enough. Submit a written resignation letter (email is fine if that is how your company operates), clearly stating your last working day based on your notice period. Keep a copy and any acknowledgement. This protects you if there is ever a dispute about dates.

Protect your end-of-service gratuity

If you have completed at least one year of continuous service, you are entitled to end-of-service gratuity, calculated on your basic salary. Resigning correctly (serving notice, not abandoning the job) keeps that entitlement intact. Before you resign, calculate what you are owed using our Gratuity Calculator and read the gratuity calculation guide so the final settlement matches your expectations.

Never just stop showing up

Abandoning your job — simply not turning up — can lead your employer to file an absconding report, which causes serious visa and legal problems and can jeopardise your gratuity. However bad the situation feels, resign formally and serve your notice. If your employer is in the wrong (unpaid salary, for example), the correct route is to file a MOHRE complaint, not to walk out.

What about an NOC and the new job?

Since the 2021 law, changing employers is far easier and an automatic labour ban is no longer the norm. You may still be asked for a No Objection Certificate by your new employer to smooth the transfer — see our guide on what an NOC is and when you need one. Serve your notice properly and the handover is usually clean.

Resignation letter template

Subject: Resignation — [Your Name], [Job Title]

Dear [Manager's name],

I am writing to formally resign from my position as [Job Title] at [Company]. In line with my contract, I am providing [30 / 60 / 90] days' notice, making my last working day [date].

Thank you for the opportunity and support during my time here. I will do everything I can to ensure a smooth handover of my responsibilities before I leave.

Please let me know the next steps regarding my final settlement and clearance.

Kind regards,
[Your name]
[Employee ID, if applicable]

Before your last day

• Confirm your final settlement: unpaid salary, leave encashment, and gratuity.
• Complete any handover and return company property to get your clearance.
• Keep copies of your contract, payslips, and resignation acknowledgement.
• Line up your next role early — see the best UAE job search websites.

What to do next

• Know your full rights: UAE Labour Law for expats
• What happens at the end of a contract: contract-end guide
• Calculate your payout: Gratuity Calculator
• Find your next role: browse UAE jobs