An employment contract is the written agreement that sets the terms of a job. Since 2021, all UAE private sector contracts are fixed-term. The old unlimited contract is gone. Every contract must be in writing, registered with MoHRE, and signed before work starts.
Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021 made fixed-term the only model. Contracts can run for any agreed length and renew by agreement.
Each contract must state pay, hours, leave, notice and the job role. Existing unlimited contracts were converted to fixed-term under the reform.
Keep every contract current and registered with MoHRE. Align the wording with your handbook and grade structure.
Vague contracts are the root of most labour disputes. A regular HR audit keeps them clean and consistent.
Last updated: July 2026 | Reviewed by Tuscan Consulting, Dubai