Methodology and sources

Law last checked: 28 October 2026. We re-check every calculator at least every three months and when a law changes.

How do you count service days?

From your first day to your last working day, counting both days, minus unpaid absence days (UAE). Years = days ÷ 365. Part-years are paid pro rata, as the laws say. Thresholds such as "one full year" (UAE) or "two, five and ten years" (Saudi resignation) are checked by the calendar, so a leap year needs 366 days.

How is the UAE gratuity cap applied?

Article 51 caps the total at "two years' Remuneration". The law defines Remuneration as basic salary plus allowances, but most guides and calculators apply the cap to basic salary. We do the same and show a note whenever the cap is reached, because a higher cap may be argued.

How do you work out the UAE daily wage?

By default, monthly basic ÷ 30, the method most UAE calculators and guides use. Some employers use monthly × 12 ÷ 365, which is about 1.4% lower. You can switch between the two on each calculator. Article 51 itself only says "21 days' wage" and "30 days' wage".

Which official sources do you use?

• UAE: Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021 (Articles 29, 43, 51, 53) and Cabinet Resolution No. 1 of 2022. u.ae end-of-service page, MOHRE.
• Saudi Arabia: Labor Law (Royal Decree M/51, as amended up to Royal Decree M/44 of 8/2/1446H, in force 19 February 2025), Articles 2, 79 bis, 80, 81, 84, 85, 87 and 88. HRSD consolidated text (Arabic), HRSD end-of-service award regulations. Read on 28 October 2026: Articles 84 to 88 carry no amendment note.
• Explainers used to cross-check: Gulf News on Article 51, Khaleej Times on unpaid leave.

What do the calculators not cover?

DIFC and ADGM free zones, UAE nationals (pension law), domestic workers (separate law), employers in the UAE voluntary savings scheme (for the years after joining), and court rulings on your own case.