Notice Period in Kuwait and UAE: Complete Guide 2026
When employment ends in the Gulf, most workers must serve a notice period before their last day. Get it wrong — either by leaving early or not knowing your rights — and you can lose money from your final settlement. This guide explains the legal rules for Kuwait and UAE, what you are owed during notice, and how it connects to your end-of-service benefit.
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What is a notice period?
A notice period is the amount of time that must pass between an employee or employer announcing the end of employment and the actual last working day. It exists to give both sides time to prepare — the employer to find a replacement, the employee to find a new job. During the notice period, the employment contract remains fully active: you continue working and continue receiving your full salary.
In the GCC, notice period rules are set by labour law and cannot be reduced below the legal minimum by any contract term.
Notice period rules in Kuwait
Kuwait notice period rules are set out in Labour Law No. 6 of 2010. The key rules are:
- Unlimited contracts: minimum notice is 3 months.
- Limited contracts: early termination is governed by the contract terms.
- Written notice is required: verbal notice is not sufficient.
- Full salary during notice: entitled to your full contractual salary.
Notice period rules in UAE
UAE notice period rules are governed by Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021, Article 43.
- Minimum notice: 30 days
- Maximum notice: 90 days
- Exact duration is set by your employment contract within this range.
- Full salary during notice: you must receive your full salary for every day.
Are you paid during the notice period?
Yes — in both Kuwait and UAE, you are entitled to your full contractual salary during the notice period. Your employer cannot reduce your pay, suspend allowances, or withhold any part of your compensation during notice.
Payment in lieu of notice
Both Kuwait and UAE law allow employers to pay an employee instead of requiring them to serve the notice period. The employee receives a lump sum equal to the salary they would have earned during the notice period, and their employment ends immediately. Payment in lieu is at the employer's discretion.
What happens if you leave without serving notice?
If you resign and leave before your notice period ends without your employer's agreement:
- Kuwait: employer can deduct salary for unserved notice days from your final settlement.
- UAE: employer can claim compensation equal to your salary for unserved notice — typically deducted from gratuity.
How notice period affects your end-of-service benefit
The notice period is counted as part of your total service length. If you serve a 3-month notice period, those 3 months are included when calculating your EOSB. If your employer pays you in lieu of notice, that period is still counted as service in most interpretations of Gulf labour law.
- ✓Kuwait minimum notice: 3 months written notice for unlimited contracts (Art. 44)
- ✓UAE minimum notice: 30 days, maximum 90 days — set by your contract within that range
- ✓You receive full salary including allowances throughout the notice period
- ✓Employer can waive notice and pay in lieu — but you cannot demand this unilaterally
- ✓Leaving early lets your employer deduct unserved notice salary from your settlement
- ✓Notice period counts toward your total service length for EOSB calculation
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Need legal help?
Notice period dispute or salary withheld during notice?
A Kuwait or UAE labour lawyer can advise on your rights and help you recover any amounts your employer has unlawfully deducted.
Talk to a Lawyer on WhatsAppFrequently asked questions
What is the notice period in Kuwait?
Under Kuwait Labour Law No. 6 of 2010, the minimum notice period is 3 months for unlimited contracts. For limited contracts, notice is governed by the contract terms. Either party must give written notice; oral notice is not sufficient.
What is the notice period in UAE?
Under UAE Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021, the notice period is a minimum of 30 days and a maximum of 90 days. The exact duration is set in the employment contract within these limits.
Do I get paid during my notice period?
Yes. You are entitled to your full salary during the notice period in both UAE and Kuwait. Your employer cannot reduce your pay during this time.
Can my employer waive my notice period?
Yes. Your employer can waive the notice period and pay you in lieu of notice — meaning they pay your salary for the notice period without requiring you to work it. This is called payment in lieu of notice.
What happens if I resign without serving notice in Kuwait?
If you leave without serving your notice period, your employer may deduct the equivalent salary for the unserved notice days from your final settlement. This can also affect your EOSB entitlement in some cases.
What happens if I resign without serving notice in UAE?
Under UAE law, if you leave without serving notice, your employer can claim compensation equal to your salary for the unserved notice period. This amount can be deducted from your end-of-service gratuity.
Does notice period affect my end of service gratuity?
The notice period itself is counted as part of your service. If you are paid in lieu of notice, that period still counts toward your total service length for gratuity calculation purposes.
Can my employer terminate me during my notice period?
Once notice has been given by either party, the contract continues until the notice period ends. Your employer cannot change the termination terms unilaterally during the notice period.