UAE | Saudi Arabia | Qatar | Oman
Prepared by Capstone Solutions – Your Trusted Manpower & Recruitment Partner
Employment Contracts
| Country | Contract Type | Probation Period | Notice Period |
| UAE | Fixed-term (max 3 years) | Up to 6 months (Art. 9) | 30–90 days (Art. 43) |
| Saudi | Fixed-term for expats only | Up to 180 days (Art. 53) | 30–60 days (Art. 75) |
| Qatar | Fixed or unlimited | Max 6 months | 30–60 days (Law No. 17/2020) |
| Oman | Fixed or unlimited | Max 3 months | 30 days (Labour Law 35/2003) |
End of Service Benefits
| Country | Entitlement Structure |
| UAE | 21 days/year (first 5 years), 30 days/year after (Art. 51) |
| Saudi | Half month/year (first 5 years), one month/year after (Art. 84) |
| Qatar | 3 weeks/year of basic wage (Art. 54 – Law No. 14/2004) |
| Oman | 15 days/year (first 3 years), 30 days/year thereafter |
Working Hours & Overtime
| Country | Standard Hours | Overtime Pay |
| UAE | 8 hrs/day, 48 hrs/week | 125–150% (Art. 19) |
| Saudi | 8 hrs/day, 48 hrs/week | 150% (Art. 107) |
| Qatar | 8 hrs/day, 48 hrs/week | 125–150% |
| Oman | 8 hrs/day, 48 hrs/week | 125–150% (Art. 70) |
Annual Leave
| Country | Leave Entitlement |
| UAE | 30 days after 1 year (Art. 29) |
| Saudi | 21 days, 30 after 5 years (Art. 109) |
| Qatar | 21 days after 1 year |
| Oman | 30 days after 1 year |
Worker Protections
| Country | Key Protections Highlights |
| UAE | Anti-discrimination, health & safety, non-compete clauses |
| Saudi | Strong contract enforcement, safety laws, wage protection |
| Qatar | No exit permit (2020 reform), Wage Protection System (WPS) |
| Oman | Contract oversight, health coverage, payroll compliance |
Expatriate Life Comparison
| Factor | UAE | Saudi Arabia | Qatar | Oman |
| Cost of Living | High (Dubai/Abu Dhabi) | Moderate–High (varies by city) | High (Doha) | Moderate |
| Culture & Freedom | Liberal, multicultural | Conservative, modernizing (Vision 2030) | Traditional, but increasingly open | Traditional, relaxed |
| Housing Quality | Excellent in cities | Improving – compounds common | High standard in Doha | Good, more affordable |
| Transportation | Metro, taxis, buses | Ride apps, limited public transport | Metro, taxis | Mostly private transport |
| Family Living | Very family-friendly | Suitable in major cities | Excellent for families | Quiet and safe for families |
| Visa Rules | Long-term & freelance options | Kafala reformed, more flexible | Kafala abolished | Sponsor-based, improving |
Why Choose Capstone Solutions?
Capstone Solutions ensures:
- Legally compliant recruitment in UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Oman
- Contract management, onboarding, and visa coordination
- Expertise in Saudization, Qatarization, and Omanization compliance
- Full support for both employers and expatriate workers
📞 Ready to hire or work in the Gulf?
Contact Capstone Solutions today.
