Chapter 1
Introduction
The UAE Labour Law provides the legal framework for most private-sector employment relationships in the United Arab Emirates. This reference page is designed to help employees and HR teams understand the main chapters at a practical level before using the UAE gratuity calculator or reading the detailed resource library.
Chapter 1 introduces the scope of the law, the definitions used throughout the decree-law, and the general principles that apply when reviewing a contract, salary, leave entitlement, termination, or end-of-service benefit.
Chapter 2
Employment Contract
This chapter covers the employment contract, agreed work, contract duration, and the records an employee should keep. For gratuity checks, the most important contract details are start date, end date, basic salary, job title, and any unpaid leave period that should be excluded from service.
Chapter 3
Wages
Wage rules matter because UAE gratuity is usually calculated using basic wage rather than the full gross package. Employees should distinguish basic salary from allowances, bonuses, commissions, transport, housing, and other benefits before estimating final settlement.
Chapter 4
Working Hours and Rest Periods
Working time, overtime, and rest-period rules affect day-to-day employment compliance. They do not usually change the gratuity formula directly, but they may affect broader final-settlement discussions when overtime, deductions, or unpaid balances are disputed.
Chapter 5
Leave
Leave records are important because paid annual leave, sick leave, maternity leave, and unpaid leave can affect the final settlement. Unpaid leave is especially relevant for gratuity because it may be excluded from continuous service when calculating the employee's benefit.
Chapter 6
End of Service Benefits
This is the chapter most employees look for when they are resigning, being terminated, or checking a settlement. It covers the broad entitlement to gratuity after eligible service, the 21-day and 30-day bands, and the overall cap. Read the full end-of-service gratuity guide for examples and FAQs.
Chapter 7
Termination of Contract
Termination rules help employees understand notice, final payment timing, and the documents needed when employment ends. The reason for leaving should be recorded clearly, but the calculator focuses on salary, service dates, and unpaid leave.
Chapter 8
Disciplinary Penalties
This chapter deals with workplace discipline, penalties, and procedural fairness. Employees should keep written records of warnings, investigations, deductions, or decisions that may affect final settlement or an employment dispute.
Chapter 9
Grievances and Disputes
Dispute rules are relevant when salary, leave, gratuity, or final settlement is delayed or underpaid. If gratuity is not paid, review your contract, payslips, and end-date documents, then read the guide on what to do if an employer does not pay gratuity.
Chapter 10
Occupational Safety and Health
Health and safety obligations protect employees at work and require employers to maintain appropriate workplace standards. This chapter is separate from gratuity calculation but remains part of the wider employment-rights framework.