Permanent jobs in the UAE

About permanent jobs

In UAE job adverts, "permanent" describes an ongoing position, as opposed to a project, temporary or interim role. Legally, private-sector contracts have been fixed-term since Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021 came into force on 2 February 2022, and there is no longer a maximum term, so a permanent role is in practice a renewable contract with no planned end to the job.

Permanent roles are usually full-time and come with the employer's full benefits package: residence visa, medical insurance, annual leave and, depending on the company, housing, transport, education or flight allowances. After a probation period of up to six months, the notice period agreed in the contract applies to both sides, and an end-of-service gratuity is due after at least one year of service. In DIFC and ADGM, employers follow their own employment laws, which contain their own rules on these points.

Points to check

• Contract duration and renewal on the official contract
• Probation and notice periods
• Basic salary versus total package
• Benefits: medical insurance, leave, allowances and flights
• Grade, career path and performance review cycle