Dubai Gratuity Calculator

Estimate your end-of-service gratuity for Dubai employment. The federal UAE Labour Law applies to most Dubai private-sector workers, with important exceptions for free-zone employees.

⚠ Free Zone Notice: Dubai has several major free zones including DIFC, JAFZA, Dubai Internet City, Dubai Media City, and others. Free-zone workers may be subject to different employment frameworks and gratuity rules. Verify your applicable framework with your employer or MOHRE before relying on this estimate.

UAE Gratuity Calculator

Free · Instant · Based on Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021

Enter your basic salary only — not total salary including allowances. Housing, transport and other allowances are not included in UAE gratuity calculation.

The date you started your employment (your official joining date).

Your actual last day of employment (when your contract ends or you leave).

Total approved unpaid leave days during your employment. These are excluded from eligible service. Leave blank if none.

UAE Labour Law in Dubai

Dubai is one of the seven Emirates of the UAE. For most private-sector employment in Dubai outside of free zones, the general UAE Labour Law applies — specificallyFederal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021 and its implementing resolutions. This is the same federal law that applies across the UAE.

The gratuity formula — 21 days per year for the first 5 years and 30 days per year thereafter — is a federal standard, not a Dubai-specific rule. Our calculator applies this formula.

Dubai Free Zones

Dubai hosts some of the UAE's most prominent free zones:

  • DIFC (Dubai International Financial Centre) — operates under its own employment law (DIFC Employment Law). Gratuity calculation may differ. Verify with DIFC or a legal professional.
  • JAFZA (Jebel Ali Free Zone) — workers may be governed by specific free-zone arrangements. See our JAFZA note.
  • Dubai Internet City, Dubai Media City, other TECOM zones — generally subject to federal UAE Labour Law for gratuity purposes, but verify your contract.
  • Dubai Airport Free Zone (DAFZA) — verify applicable framework with your employer.
How to check your framework: Review your employment contract. It should specify which law governs your employment. If unclear, contact MOHRE or consult a UAE employment lawyer.

Dubai Gratuity Examples

Example 1: 3 Years Service, AED 12,000 Basic Salary
Daily wage = 12,000 ÷ 30 = AED 400.00 Gratuity = 400 × 21 × 3 = AED 25,200
≈ AED 25,200
Example 2: 6 Years Service, AED 15,000 Basic Salary
Daily wage = 15,000 ÷ 30 = AED 500.00 First 5 yrs = 500 × 21 × 5 = AED 52,500 Year 6 = 500 × 30 × 1 = AED 15,000 Total = AED 67,500
≈ AED 67,500

Dubai-Specific FAQs

Does DIFC have different gratuity rules?
Yes. The DIFC operates under its own legal framework — the DIFC Employment Law. End-of-service benefit rules under DIFC Employment Law differ from the federal UAE Labour Law. If you work within the DIFC, you should not use the standard federal calculator. Consult the DIFC Authority or a DIFC employment lawyer for guidance.
Is the gratuity formula different in Dubai vs other Emirates?
No — for workers subject to the federal UAE Labour Law (Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021), the gratuity formula is the same across all Emirates. Dubai does not have its own separate general private-sector gratuity law. The difference arises only in specific free zones with their own legal frameworks.
I work in JAFZA. Does this calculator apply?
JAFZA (Jebel Ali Free Zone) is one of the UAE's largest free zones. Workers in JAFZA may have specific employment arrangements. Use this calculator as a reference only and verify your specific entitlement with your JAFZA employer, the free-zone authority, or MOHRE.

Official Sources

GovUAE Government Portal — u.aeMOHREMinistry of Human Resources — mohre.gov.ae
Last reviewed: 2025-01-15 • Rule version: 2021-DL33 • Independent calculator — not affiliated with MOHRE, the UAE Government, Dubai Development Authority, or any government entity.

Dubai Gratuity FAQs

What is UAE gratuity (end-of-service benefit)?

UAE gratuity, also called an end-of-service benefit (EOSB), is a lump-sum payment that eligible private-sector employees receive when their employment ends. It is calculated based on the employee's basic wage and length of continuous service. The legal basis is Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021 on the Regulation of Labour Relations, primarily Article 51.

Is gratuity mandatory in the UAE?

Yes. Under UAE Labour Law, qualifying private-sector employees are entitled to end-of-service gratuity. Employers are legally required to pay it upon termination of a qualifying employment relationship. It is not voluntary — it is a statutory entitlement.

Is gratuity mandatory in salary?

Gratuity is not included in your monthly salary. It is an end-of-service payment made when employment ends, provided the eligibility threshold is met. Some employers may structure total compensation packages that reference gratuity, but the statutory entitlement itself is paid at the end of the employment relationship.

What is end-of-service benefit?

End-of-service benefit (EOSB) is the formal term used in UAE law for what is commonly called gratuity. It is a payment made to eligible employees when their employment ends, calculated on the basis of their last basic wage and total years of continuous eligible service. The final settlement an employee receives may also include other components such as unpaid salary, accrued annual leave, and notice-related amounts.

What is the maximum gratuity amount?

Under the standard UAE private-sector framework, total gratuity shall not exceed the equivalent of two years' basic wage. This means if the calculated gratuity based on days and daily wage exceeds two years of basic salary, it is capped at that amount. Use our calculator to see whether the cap applies to your situation.

Is there any maximum limit for gratuity?

Yes. Under the standard UAE framework, the maximum gratuity is capped at the equivalent of two years' basic wage. For example, if your monthly basic salary is AED 10,000, your annual basic wage is AED 120,000, and the maximum gratuity cap is AED 240,000. Individual circumstances and applicable regimes may affect this.

Can I get my gratuity in advance in the UAE?

Generally, UAE gratuity is payable upon the termination of the employment relationship. Advance payment of gratuity is not a standard provision under the general UAE Labour Law framework. Some employers may have separate arrangements, but these should be reviewed carefully. Contact MOHRE or a qualified UAE employment lawyer for guidance on your specific situation.

How can I check my gratuity online?

You can estimate your gratuity using our free calculator on this website. For official verification, you can contact MOHRE (Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation) through the MOHRE website at mohre.gov.ae, their smart services platform, or their call centre. Your employer is also required to provide a clear account of end-of-service entitlements.