So, you’ve wrapped up 28 days of work in the UAE and now you’re wondering—do I get gratuity for that?
Well, you’re not alone. This question pops up all the time, especially with short-term contracts, freelancers, or people who’ve left during probation. The good news? UAE Labor Law lays it all out clearly—we just need to break it down in simple terms. 👇
What Does UAE Labor Law Say?
Under the UAE Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021 (the new labor law effective since February 2022), end-of-service gratuity is a mandatory benefit paid to employees who have completed at least 1 year of continuous service.
So, here’s the bottom line:
❌ If you’ve worked less than 1 year (like 28 days), you’re not entitled to gratuity under UAE Labor Law.
Yep, that’s it. It doesn’t matter if it’s a limited or unlimited contract—unless your company has its own internal policy or employment contract stating otherwise.
Why No Gratuity for 28 Days?
Let’s break it down with some bullet points:
- ✅ Gratuity applies only after 1 year of continuous employment.
- 🚫 Working 28 days means you haven’t met the minimum legal threshold.
- 📄 Employment contracts sometimes include goodwill payments—but that’s up to the employer.
- ⏳ Probationary periods (usually 3-6 months) don’t qualify for gratuity.
- 📝 Resignation or termination during the first year = no gratuity either way.
But Just for Fun… What If You Could Calculate It?
Okay, just for the curious minds who want to see how gratuity is calculated—here’s the general formula if you’ve worked over 1 year:
Basic Salary ÷ 30 (to get daily wage) × 21 (days of gratuity per year) × number of years👉 For less than 5 years of service, gratuity is based on 21 days of basic pay per year.
Now imagine a hypothetical scenario:
- Basic salary = AED 3,000
- Worked for 28 days (but we’ll pretend gratuity is paid anyway)
Step 1:
Daily wage = AED 3,000 ÷ 30 = AED 100
Step 2:
(21 ÷ 365) × 28 = 1.61 days of gratuity (if it were allowed)
Step 3:
1.61 × AED 100 = AED 161 (theoretical gratuity)
So yeah, you’d get AED 161 if it were legally permitted—but it’s not.
Common Misconceptions
| Myth | Reality |
|---|---|
| “I worked for a month, so I should get something.” | Sorry, no gratuity unless you’ve completed 1 year. |
| “I was terminated unfairly during probation, I should get end-of-service.” | You may have other rights, like notice period pay, but not gratuity. |
| “It’s in my contract!” | Then check it—because contractual agreements override the default if they offer more benefits. |
So What Are You Entitled To?
If you’ve worked for 28 days, you’re usually eligible for:
- ✅ Salary for the days worked
- ✅ Any unused leave (if applicable)
- ✅ Notice period pay (if not served)
- ✅ Repatriation cost (if mentioned in contract)
But again, no gratuity unless you’ve hit the 1-year mark.
Real-Life Example
Sarah worked at a retail store in Dubai for 28 days. She was on probation and resigned. Her basic salary was AED 4,000.
Outcome:
- No gratuity
- Paid AED 3,733 for the 28 days
- No leave encashment
- No termination pay
Lesson? Always read your contract, and don’t assume short stints will earn long-term perks.
Tips Before You Join a Job in the UAE
If you’re taking up a short-term job, keep these things in mind:
- 📜 Always read the contract before signing.
- 🧾 Clarify if there’s any exit payment policy.
- 📅 Know how probation works—gratuity doesn’t apply.
- 📈 Long-term contracts = better end-of-service perks.
FAQs About Gratuity for 28 Days in UAE
Q1: I was on probation and got fired—do I still get gratuity?
Nope. Probation period doesn’t count toward gratuity eligibility.
Q2: Can my company give me gratuity voluntarily?
Yes, if it’s mentioned in your contract or company policy.
Q3: I resigned after 28 days—do I still get something?
Yes, your salary for those 28 days. But not gratuity.
Q4: Is there a legal way to challenge this?
You can file a complaint with the UAE Ministry of Human Resources, but for gratuity under 1 year, there’s no legal entitlement.
Wrapping It Up (Not a Conclusion, Just Real Talk)
Here’s the real deal: If you’ve worked only 28 days in the UAE, gratuity isn’t on the table—unless your company decides to offer it out of goodwill. What you can expect is your final paycheck and any unused leave. The key takeaway? Stay informed, ask questions, and always read that fine print before signing anything.