UAE Labour Law: UAE Employees Can Resign Without Notice Period Under Article 26

The UAE Labour Law prioritises employee safety, fairness, and transparency in all aspects of employment.  However, the law generally requires a 30-day notice period for resignation.  Still, there are some situations in which UAE employees can resign without Notice Period, especially when their health or safety is at risk.

Article 26 of Cabinet Resolution No. (1) of 2022, implementing Federal Decree-Law No. (33) of 2021, have outlined these exceptional cases. However, this provision ensures that no employee is forced to continue working under dangerous or life-threatening conditions.

UAE Employees can Resign Without Notice Period, When?

According to the UAE Labour Law, an employee has the right to leave work immediately if there is a grave danger in the workplace that the employer has not resolved. However, such dangers must be known to the employer. If no action is taken to solve the danger, then the worker can lawfully resign without prior notice. The following is the list of those cases that qualify under Article 26:

• Exposure to live electrical wires that may cause shocks or death
• Presence of hazardous chemicals that can lead to serious illness
• High or low temperatures can cause burns or hypothermia
• Possible sources of ignition, creating a fire or explosion risk
• Loud noises that can cause permanent hearing loss
• Radiation exposure leading to blindness or cancer
• Biological hazards that can cause contagious diseases

These conditions highlight the commitment of the government to ensure workplace safety and protect employee well-being. 

Resignation Without Notice: List Of Valid Reasons

Apart from the workplace danger, the UAE labour law also allows employees to resign without notice period in specific scenarios as stated in Article 45 of the Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021. Below is the list of valid reasons:

• Breach of contract by the employer—if the employer violates employment terms.
• Non-payment of salary—if wages are delayed for 60 days or more.
• Harassment or discrimination—any form of verbal, physical, or emotional abuse at work.
• Unilateral contract changes—when employment terms are changed without employee consent.

Employees are allowed to end the contract immediately without facing penalties or legal consequences in such cases. 

Notice Period Requirements in the UAE

The UAE notice period ranges from 30 to 90 days, depending on the type and duration of the service.  Articles 117 and 118 of the UAE Labour Law govern these periods to ensure smooth transitions and legal compliance for both employees and employers. Below is the list of different types of notice period in the Emirates:

• Standard contracts: 30 days’ notice
• Probationary employees: 14 days’ notice
• Limited-term contracts: Up to 90 days’ notice if mentioned in the contract

This time allows both sides to prepare for change. Employees can look for new opportunities. In contrast, employers will have sufficient time to find a suitable replacement for the vacant position. 

Employer Obligations and Employee Rights

During the notice period, employers are required to continue paying full salaries, including allowance. They must also clear final settlements, provide experience letters, and cancel work visas as per the UAE labour law.

In contrast, employees must perform their duties professionally and complete their handovers before the notice period ends. However, if they resign due to legitimate safety risks or legal grounds, they are exempt from serving the notice period. 

Legal Protection Under UAE Labour Law

The UAE’s Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) protects employees who leave dangerous or unfair workplaces. Moreover, employees are also allowed to file a legal complaint if employers retaliate or withhold dues after resignation without notice.

The law ensures that no worker faces penalties for prioritising personal safety. However, employers who are found guilty of ignoring safety regulations or violating employee rights may face fines, legal action, or business sanctions.

Read more:

MoHRE Warns UAE Firms to Meet Emiratisation Requirements 2025 Before Year-End

Unified License System: Dubai Slashes Business Bank Account Opening Time from 65 Days to 5

Liwa International Festival 2025–26 Returns to Al Dhafra: 23 Days of Culture, Motorsports, and Desert Magic