The Gratuity Calculator UAE Guide with examples

by Neha Singh

Navigating the Gratuity Calculator UAE for End-of-Service Rewards

In UAE employment, utilizing the Gratuity Calculator UAE is crucial for understanding the financial thank you—gratuity—your employer provides for the service you've rendered during your tenure. This significant aspect of the employment landscape underscores the value placed on loyalty and commitment.

Whether in the bustling business hubs of Dubai or the serene streets of Abu Dhabi, understanding your gratuity is critical to maximizing your employment benefits.

The Fundamentals of UAE Gratuity Law

The legal scaffolding surrounding end-of-service benefits in the UAE underwent significant updates with the new gratuity law introduced in 2022. These revisions have been pivotal in enhancing employees' rights and ensuring a more robust protection of their end-of-service entitlements. From the broader strokes of UAE gratuity law to the specifics of Dubai gratuity law, these regulations govern the calculation and disbursement of gratuity payments.

UAE Gratuity Eligibility Criteria

Gratuity eligibility in the UAE hinges on fulfilling a minimum service period of one year. This end-of-service benefit varies depending on contract types and the nature of job cessation. For instance, an employee with a limited contract in Dubai might see a different gratuity sum than one under an unlimited contract in Abu Dhabi.

  • Type of Employment Contract:
    • Unlimited Contracts: Employees are eligible for gratuity after completing at least one year of continuous service.
    • Limited (Fixed-Term) Contracts: Employees must complete the term specified in their contract to be eligible for full gratuity pay. However, under certain conditions, partial gratuity is available for services less than the full term.
  • Minimum Service Period:
    • To qualify for gratuity payment, you must complete a minimum service period of one year, regardless of the contract type
  • End of Employment:
    • Resignation: Under unlimited contracts, employees resigning before completing five years of service receive a scaled-down gratuity, calculated based on the length of service.
    • Termination: Typically, employees who are terminated from their roles qualify for gratuity, with exceptions for cases of gross misconduct under certain conditions
  • Gross Misconduct:
    • Per UAE labour laws, employees dismissed for gross misconduct may forfeit their gratuity entitlement.
  • Calculation Basis:
    • Gratuity calculations are based on the basic salary, with allowances like housing, transportation, and other benefits excluded
  • End of Contract:
    • Employees who complete their term under limited contracts are entitled to full gratuity based on their basic salary
    • Employees who resign or terminate their contract under limited contracts before the end of their term may receive gratuity. Still, it may be reduced based on the circumstances of their departure.

Gratuity Calculator UAE

The gratuity calculation starts with the basic salary. For example, if your basic salary is AED 15,000 and you've worked for six years, your gratuity for the first five years would be AED 15,000/30215 = AED 52,500. For the sixth year, it would be AED 15,000/30*30 = AED 15,000. The total gratuity would be AED 67,500 if the contract conditions are met.

Advanced Gratuity Calculator UAE

Gratuity computation can become intricate when factoring in various salary components. For example, while allowances might be excluded, regular bonuses and commissions could be included in the calculation. If an employee earns a basic salary plus commission totaling AED 18,000 and has served for seven years, the gratuity calculation would incorporate the commission, thus adjusting the final amount accordingly.

Scenarios That Affect  Eligibility and Gratuity Calculator UAE

Scenario 1: Unlimited Contract with Three Years of Service

John has worked for a marketing firm in Dubai on an unlimited contract for three years. Under UAE gratuity law, he's entitled to 21 days of wages for each of the first five years of service. With a basic salary of AED 10,000, his gratuity calculation would be as follows

Scenario 2: Limited Contract with Five Years of Service

Sara, an engineer in Abu Dhabi, has been on a limited contract for five years. The calculation changes after the first five years, providing 30 days' wages for each year of service. Her basic monthly wage is AED 15,000, leading to a gratuity calculation of:

Scenario 3: Resignation under an Unlimited Contract Before Completing One Year

Ahmed resigns from his IT job in Dubai under an unlimited contract before completing one year. In this case, he is not entitled to a gratuity payout as he still needs to meet the minimum eligibility period.

Scenario 4: Termination due to Misconduct under a Limited Contract

Maria, working under a limited contract in a Dubai-based consultancy, is terminated due to gross misconduct before her contract ends. Under UAE law, gross misconduct can lead to forfeiture of the gratuity entitlement.

Scenario 5: Completion of Seven Years under an Unlimited Contract

Fatima has dedicated seven years to a financial institution in Dubai on an unlimited contract. Her basic salary is AED 12,000. For the first five years, she's entitled to 21 days' salary per year and 30 days' salary per year for the subsequent years. The calculation goes as follows:

Gratuity for first 5 years=(3021×12,000​×5)=AED42,000

Gratuity for additional 2 years=(3030×12,000​×2)=AED24,000

Total Gratuity=AED42,000+AED24,000=AED66,000

Scenario 6: Early Resignation under a Limited Contract

Raj, an architect in Abu Dhabi, decides to resign after three years on a five-year limited contract. His basic wage is AED 18,000. Given that resignations under limited contracts typically result in reduced gratuity, assuming his resignation doesn’t meet the conditions for total gratuity, his calculation might look like:

Reduced Gratuity = (31×18,000​) for each year, but specifics would depend on the exact terms of the contract and resignation circumstances.

Scenario 7: End of Limited Contract with Full-Term Completion

Ling has completed her four-year term under a limited contract as a project manager in Sharjah. With a basic monthly salary of AED 20,000 and completing the entire term, she is entitled to full gratuity pay, calculated at 30 days' salary for each year of service

Gratuity=(3030×20,000​×4)=AED80,000

Scenario 8: Dismissal for Gross Misconduct under Unlimited Contract

Working in a logistics company in Dubai under an unlimited contract, Alex is dismissed for gross misconduct before completing his second year. His dismissal for gross misconduct, despite a basic monthly wage of AED 14,000, results in the forfeiture of his gratuity entitlement, highlighting how the reason for termination impacts gratuity payments.

Scenario 9: Part-Time Contractual Employment

Sophia, a graphic designer, has completed three years of service on a part-time contractual basis in Abu Dhabi. Her contract specifies a pro-rata gratuity calculation based on her earnings of AED 8,000 per month. Given the part-time nature of her work, her gratuity would be calculated similarly to that of full-time employees. Still, it may require adjustments based on her actual working hours, as stipulated by her contract.

Scenario 10: Gratuity Calculation with Salary Components

Hamad works in a Dubai-based company with a basic salary of AED 15,000, a housing allowance of AED 6,000, and a transport allowance of AED 2,000. Only the basic salary is considered for gratuity calculations. Suppose he leaves after six years of service. In such scenarios, the gratuity calculation is based solely on the basic salary, highlighting the importance of knowing which salary components are included in these calculations.

How to use the Gratuity calculator UAE

  1. Utilize Official Calculators:
    • Leverage the MOHRE (Ministry of Human Resources & Emiratisation) official gratuity calculator for an initial estimate.
    • Explore other reputable online calculators, such as the DDA (Dubai Development Authority) gratuity calculator, for comparative estimates.
  2. Understand the Formula:
    • Familiarize yourself with the basic formula for gratuity calculation, which typically involves your primary salary, duration of service, and specific multipliers outlined in the UAE labour law.
  3. Know Your Salary Components:
    • Remember, gratuity calculations are based on your primary salary, excluding allowances and bonuses. Ensure you have a clear understanding of what constitutes your primary salary.
  4. Document Your Employment History:
    • Keep detailed records of your employment start and end dates, contract type (limited vs. unlimited), and any absences without pay, as these can affect your gratuity calculations.
  5. Regular Updates:
    • Stay updated with changes in the UAE labour laws regarding gratuity payments, as laws and regulations can evolve.
  6. Double-Check Calculations:
    • Double-check online calculator results manually or with a professional, especially for complexities like partial years or contract changes.
  7. Seek Professional Advice:
    • Consult a legal expert or HR professional for complex cases or discrepancies in calculations, as recommended
  8. Review Contract Terms:
    • Review your employment contract for specific gratuity calculation clauses that may vary from standard practices

Read about UAE unemployment insurance

Your UAE Gratuity Rights and Responsibilities:

Employees in the UAE are entitled to gratuity as per the Dubai gratuity law and UAE Labour Law. Staying abreast with the latest legal stipulations, such as the new gratuity law in UAE 2024, is both a right and responsibility of every employee to ensure fair practice. Here are the essential rights and responsibilities you should be aware of

Rights under UAE gratuity

  • Right to Gratuity: Entitlement to an end-of-service gratuity after completing at least one year of continuous service, per UAE labour laws.
  • Accurate Calculation: The right to have your gratuity calculated accurately based on your basic salary and duration of service, excluding allowances and bonuses.
  • Timely Payment: You have the right to receive your gratuity payment promptly upon the termination of employment, within the timeframe specified by UAE labour laws.
  • Dispute Resolution: The right to seek legal recourse or mediation through the Ministry of Human Resources & Emiratisation (MOHRE) if there are discrepancies or disputes regarding your gratuity payment.
  • Contractual Clarity: The right to clear and transparent terms in your employment contract, including specifics about gratuity calculations and payments.

Your Responsibilities:

  • Understand Your Contract: It’s crucial to thoroughly understand the terms of your employment contract, including how your gratuity will be calculated.
  • Maintain Records: Keep detailed records of your employment history, including start and end dates, salary details, and any periods of unpaid leave, as these can affect your gratuity calculation.
  • Notify Employer: If you plan to resign or end your employment, notify your employer within the notice period specified in your contract to avoid penalties or forfeiture of benefits.
  • Adhere to Legal Protocols: Follow the legal procedures for dispute resolution if disagreements arise about your gratuity payment, starting with internal discussions and escalating to MOHRE if necessary.
  • Professional Conduct: Uphold a professional demeanour and conduct throughout your employment and during the termination process, as misconduct can affect your entitlement to gratuity.

Closing comments

Gratuity computation in the UAE, while straightforward in principle, can involve complex elements depending on individual employment contracts and service duration. Equipping yourself with knowledge of the calculation process and the latest legal amendments is paramount. For any ambiguities, always consider professional legal advice.


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Gratuity in UAE Questions? Answers.

Switching contract types doesn't reset the gratuity calculation; it continues to accumulate based on your total service period. However, the calculation method may differ between contract types if the switch occurs

Gratuity is calculated based on the basic salary excluding allowances. However, some exceptions apply, so it’s essential to consult the specific terms of your employment contract.

As per UAE labor law, the end-of-service gratuity cannot exceed the wage of two years of service, regardless of the length of service.

Transfers within group companies typically do not affect the continuous calculation of gratuity, provided there's no break in service. However, specific terms might vary based on internal company policies.

For managerial positions or shareholders, gratuity calculations follow the same basic salary principle unless specified differently in the employment contract or company policies.

Aside from dismissal due to gross misconduct, employees might lose gratuity entitlement if they resign without serving the notice period or fail to comply with other contractual obligations leading to financial loss for the employer.

While UAE labor laws do not explicitly adjust gratuity calculations for high-risk jobs, some companies may offer enhanced terms as part of their contract or through insurance schemes that provide additional benefits upon service termination.

Employees terminated due to redundancy are entitled to full gratuity based on their period of service, as redundancy is considered a termination without cause under UAE labor laws.

Sabbatical leave is generally unpaid, and periods of unpaid leave are excluded from the service period for gratuity calculations. However, the specifics can depend on company policy and the terms agreed upon before the sabbatical.

For employees earning commission, the UAE labor laws consider the basic salary for gratuity calculations. Commission or other variable components are usually excluded unless otherwise specified in the employment contract.