Free guide
Understanding a UAE job offer
A UAE offer is built differently from a UK one. Here’s how to read it and what to ask before you sign. Pick your kind of role.
What kind of offer is it?
5 typesHow a package is built
Example: AED 40,000 a month
Basic 25,000
Housing 12,000
Basic 25,000Housing 12,000Transport 3,000
Gratuity is based on the AED 25,000 basic only: about AED 17,500 for each of your first five years.Compare the total with your UK take-home, then look at the basic: it decides your gratuity.
Five questions to ask before you sign
- What is the basic salary, and what share of the total is it?
- Is housing paid monthly, yearly in advance, or as company housing?
- Does medical cover include my family?
- Is there an annual flight home, and for whom?
- What is the notice period and is there a non-compete?
What the law gives you
Tap below for detail| Term | Mainland private sector |
|---|---|
| Contract | Fixed term, renewable, no maximum length. The Arabic version wins in a dispute |
| Pay | Through the Wage Protection System. From 1 June 2026, due on the 1st of each month |
| Probation | Up to 6 months |
| Notice | 30 to 90 days |
| Annual leave | 30 days after a year |
| Sick leave | Up to 90 days a year: 15 full pay, 30 half pay |
| Gratuity | 21 days’ basic a year for 5 years, then 30 days |
| Hours | 8 a day, 48 a week; overtime at least 25% extra |
Before you commit: the regional situation. Conflict involving Iran has disrupted flights across the Gulf in 2026. The FCDO does not advise against travel to the UAE but asks people to be ready for disruption. Read the FCDO travel advice (last updated 24 July 2026).
Questions people ask
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