Secrets of the Gulf Accords (2025): 5 Key Points to Consider Before Signing
Qatar | UAE | Saudi Arabia – The Complete Guide for Expats
A job in Gulf countries is a dream of many. Many people sign the "Offer Letter" immediately because of the high salary and foreign experience. But since that contract is a legal document that will determine the next few years of your life, it is important to read it carefully.
Many expats only look at “Salary” and “Position”. But, the labor laws in UAE, Qatar and Saudi Arabia have undergone many new changes in 2025. Here, you'll find an in-depth explanation of the 5 key areas to consider before you sign.
⚖️ Feature 1: Contract Duration – “Unlimited” is history!
In earlier times many companies offered “Unlimited Contract”. But now the situation has changed.
According to the UAE Labor Law (2025), all private sector contracts must be fixed-term – up to a maximum of 3 years.
📌 What does this mean to you?
Your contract should clearly state a start date and an end date.
If you quit within that period, the company can claim compensation.
Look carefully at the conditions in the “Early Termination Clause” section.
✔️ Things to check:
Is the contract specified as “Fixed-Term”?
How many days is the notice period before withdrawal?
Is the compensation to be paid in case of early withdrawal clearly specified?
💰 Feature 2: “Gross” vs “Basic Salary” – Which Matters?
The line “Your salary is AED3,000 per month” is pleasing to the eye. But how much of that will be owed to you?
Salaries in Gulf countries are generally divided into two parts:
1. Basic Salary
2. Allowances – House rent, transport, food etc
🧮 Why care about this?
End of Service Gratuity, Annual Leave Pay and Overtime are calculated based on Basic Salary.
Therefore, the lower the base salary, the lower the financial benefits you will receive in the long run.
✔️ Things to check:
Is your basic salary at least 60% of the total?
Are Allowances Permanent or “Reimbursable”?
Is it clearly stated for what expenses the concessions are made?
🧾 Feature 3: Notice & Non-Compete Clause
Notice Period is a legal obligation when quitting a job. Usually 30 to 90 days.
But even more problematic is the Non-Compete Clause.
⚠️ What does this mean?
This provision states that you cannot work in the same industry or in the same country for a certain period of time after you leave the company. (Normally 6 months – 2 years)
🧩 Legal Limitations:
According to the uAE 2025 Law, this provision must be “reasonable” — based on the duration, location and nature of the work.
If the “Non-Compete” condition is too strict, you have the right to request a change.
✔️ Things to check:
Is that clause in your contract?
How long is it (6 months, 1 year)?
What geographic area does it apply to (a city, an entire country)?
🏖️ Feature 4: Leave, Tickets, Sick Leave
These are the hidden financial benefits you get. Along with salary these will reduce your cost of living.
✈️ Annual Holiday & Flight Offer:
As per UAE & Qatar laws, a minimum of 21 to 30 days paid annual leave is available after one year of employment.
Is the flight ticket offered every year or every two years?
Some companies even offer family airfare – a huge financial benefit.
🏥 Sick Leave:
As per UAE law, the first 15 days are with full salary and the next 30 days are with half salary.
Check whether the contract violates these legal limitations.
🛂 Feature 5: Visa & Family Sponsorship
👤 Work Visa:
The company should arrange your work visa and residence card (Iqama/Residence Permit).
If the contract says you have to pay yourself, it is illegal.
👨👩👧 Family Sponsorship:
In Saudi Arabia and Qatar, you are only allowed to sponsor a family if your total salary exceeds a minimum threshold.
So, before signing the contract, check whether your salary reaches that limit and compare it with the government norms.
🧾 Final stage: Contract signing process
When you get an overseas job, you usually sign two positions:
1. Offer Letter – Signed from your home country.
2. Official Labor Contract – Signed before the Ministry of Labor in Gulf countries.
⚠️ WARNING:
If the details in the second contract (Official Contract) differ from those in the Offer Letter — especially in terms of salary — object immediately.
Legally, the second contract cannot override the first offer.
🔍 Conclusion: Knowledge is your shield
Gulf job opportunities can change your life. But signing a contract without understanding it can result in financial loss, legal trouble, and career obstacles.
When you understand and sign these 5 key points, you become an “Informed Professional” and not an “Employee”.
Let your contract be protected not only by your signature, but by your knowledge.
📌 By Avaragulfjobs Team – 2025 Expat Legal & Career Insights Guide
(For informational purposes only. Always consult a legal expert before signing official contracts.)
Official Labour Law References (2025)
- 🇦🇪 UAE Ministry of Human Resources & Emiratisation (MOHRE)
- 🇶🇦 Qatar Ministry of Labour (ADLSA)
- 🇸🇦 Saudi Arabia Ministry of Human Resources & Social Development (HRSD)
For the most accurate and updated information, always refer to the official government websites before signing any employment contract.
