Can I be terminated during my probation period in the UAE?

Yes — but the employer must give at least 14 calendar days' written notice and a reason consistent with the probation purpose ^[1].

What the employer must do:

• Provide written notice (email is acceptable if the employment contract addresses electronic communications).
• Pay all wages up to and including the last day of work.
• Settle any pro-rata accrued entitlements (annual leave for the period worked, repatriation costs if applicable per the contract).

What does NOT need to happen:

• The employer is not required to pay end-of-service gratuity if termination occurs before completing one year of service (gratuity vests at one year).
• The employer does not need to follow the 30-90 days notice rule that applies after probation ^[2] — the 14-day probation rule overrides.

If you believe the termination was discriminatory, retaliatory, or otherwise unlawful (for example, due to pregnancy, complaint about wage theft, or whistleblowing), you can file a complaint with MOHRE; certain protections apply during probation despite the lower notice requirement.

For disputed terminations, including unpaid notice or final settlement, consult a UAE-licensed labour lawyer.