Employment contracts in the UAE are governed by Federal Decree-Law No. (33) of 2021 and Cabinet Resolution No. (1) of 2022.
These laws ensure fair work agreements between employers and employees.
This page provides a lawful UAE employment contract sample and explains key aspects of employment contracts in the UAE 2025.
Contact our expert labor law firm in UAE. Click the WhatsApp icon below.
Table of Contents
UAE Employment Contract Sample
The following contract sample is provided to give you an idea of what to include in an employment contract while ensuring compliance with Article (8) of Federal Decree-Law No. (33) of 2021.
Sample UAE Employment Contract
Employer Details:
- Name: [Employer Name]
- Address: [Company Address]
Employee Details:
- Name: [Employee Name]
- Nationality: [Nationality]
- Date of Birth: [DD/MM/YYYY]
- Identity Proof: [Emirates ID/Passport]
- Qualification: [Degree/Skills]
- Job Title: [Job Position]
- Work Location: [Office/Remote]
Contract Terms:
- Start Date: [DD/MM/YYYY]
- Contract Type: [Full-time/Part-time/Temporary/Flexible/Remote/Job-sharing]
- Working Hours: [Daily Hours]
- Rest Days: [Weekly Off]
- Probation Period: [Yes/No]
- Salary: [Amount in AED]
- Allowances & Benefits: [Details]
- Annual Leave: [Number of Days]
- Notice Period: [Duration]
- Termination Terms: As per Federal Decree-Law No. (33) of 2021
Employer Signature: ____________
Employee Signature: ____________
Date: [DD/MM/YYYY]
Get an employment contract change letter template for the UAE.
Housemaid Contract Sample UAE
The following UAE employment contract sample is provided to give you an idea of what to include in a housemaid employment contract while ensuring compliance with Federal Decree-Law No. (33) of 2021.
Sample Housemaid Contract UAE
Employer Details:
- Name: [Employer’s Name]
- Address: [Residence Address]
Employee Details:
- Name: [Housemaid’s Name]
- Nationality: [Nationality]
- Date of Birth: [DD/MM/YYYY]
- Identity Proof: [Passport/Visa]
Contract Terms:
- Start Date: [DD/MM/YYYY]
- Contract Type: Full-time (Residential)
- Working Hours: [Daily Work Hours]
- Rest Days: [Weekly Off]
- Salary: [Amount in AED]
- Accommodation & Meals: Provided by Employer
- Annual Leave: [Number of Days]
- Medical Insurance: Provided by Employer
- Notice Period: [Duration]
- Termination Terms: As per Article (10) of Cabinet Resolution No. (1) of 2022
Employer Signature: ____________
Employee Signature: ____________
Date: [DD/MM/YYYY]
This contract ensures legal protection for housemaids under UAE labor laws.
Read about Labour Law for Domestic Workers in Dubai, UAE labour law for maids, and Amendment to employment contract Dubai UAE.
Employment Contract UAE
A UAE employment contract is a formal agreement between an employer and an employee outlining the terms and conditions of employment.
To ensure legal compliance and protect both parties, Article (10) of Cabinet Resolution No. (1) of 2022 mandates that all necessary details be included in the contract.
Further reinforcing these regulations, Article (8) of Federal Decree-Law No. (33) of 2021 stipulates that employment contracts must be fixed-term but renewable, ensuring clarity, stability, and adherence to UAE labor laws.
Types of Employment Contracts in UAE
According to Cabinet Resolution No. (1) of 2022, employment contracts can be:
- Full-time Contract – Standard work agreement with fixed hours.
- Part-time Contract – Work with limited hours and multiple employers.
- Temporary Contract – Short-term employment for a specific project.
- Flexible Work Contract – Work on-demand based on tasks.
- Remote Work Contract – Working outside the company office.
- Job Sharing Contract – Two employees share job responsibilities.
All contracts must be registered with the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE).
Non-Competition Clause in UAE Contracts
As per Article (12) of Cabinet Resolution No. (1) of 2022, employers can impose a non-competition clause for up to two years. The clause must be reasonable in scope, location, and job role.
Workers can be exempted if:
- The employer waives the clause in writing.
- The employee pays compensation (up to 3 months’ salary).
- The job is in a high-demand sector.
This ensures fair protection for both employers and employees.
Common Legal Pitfalls in UAE Labor Contracts
As expert labor lawyers in the UAE, we strongly advise employees and employers to carefully review employment contracts before signing.
One of the most common legal pitfalls is not fully understanding the terms of termination, notice periods, and non-competition clauses.
To protect your rights:
- Ensure clarity on salary structure (basic salary vs. allowances).
- Verify leave entitlements, working hours, and overtime policies as per UAE labor law.
- Check termination and notice period clauses to avoid disputes later.
- Negotiate non-competition clauses carefully to prevent career restrictions after leaving a job.
Additionally, a situation without an employment contract must be addressed according to UAE labor laws, as working without a formal agreement can lead to legal uncertainties and disputes.
Ensure your employment contract is appropriately documented and registered with MOHRE to avoid complications.
For legal assurance, consult a qualified UAE employment lawyer to review your contract and confirm its compliance with UAE laws before signing.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For legal guidance on drafting, reviewing, or enforcing employment contracts, consult a qualified employment lawyer in the UAE.
Legal Services Related to Employment Contracts in UAE
Our expert labor lawyer in Dubai assist with:
- Drafting & Reviewing Contracts – Ensuring compliance with UAE labor laws.
- Negotiating Employment Terms – Helping clients secure fair work agreements.
- Non-Competition & Confidentiality Clauses – Protecting employer and employee rights.
- Employment Dispute Resolution – Representing clients in legal conflicts.
- MOHRE Compliance & Registration – Assisting with contract approvals.
We ensure full legal compliance with Federal Decree-Law No. (33) of 2021.
FAQs About UAE Employment Contracts
Conclusion about UAE employment contract sample.
A UAE employment contract is a legal requirement that protects both employers and employees.
It must follow Federal Decree-Law No. (33) of 2021 and Cabinet Resolution No. (1) of 2022.
Whether hiring a full-time employee or a housemaid, contracts must be explicit, lawful, and registered with MOHRE.
For legal assistance with employment contracts, our law firm offers expert services to ensure full compliance with UAE laws.
Contact our labor law firm in UAE for expert help. Click the Whatsapp icon below.
A legal consultant specializing in UAE labor law. He regularly publishes articles on the website and writes on various areas of UAE law, with a specific focus on labor law.
