GCC Gratuity Comparison 2026 — All 6 Countries

GCC end-of-service comparison table

UAE gratuity rules

UAE calculates end-of-service benefits on a wage basis described here as basic salary. The headline formula is 21 days/year for the early service period and 30 days/year after longer service, but the exact result depends on contract type, local definitions of wage, resignation rules, and any more favourable employer policy.

For a worker comparing a UAE offer with another GCC offer, the biggest differences are salary basis and resignation treatment. In UAE, resignation impact is summarised as: No reduction under current law. Always confirm the local law text and contract wording before relying on a cross-country estimate.

Saudi Arabia gratuity rules

Saudi Arabia calculates end-of-service benefits on a wage basis described here as wage. The headline formula is half-month/year for the early service period and one month/year after longer service, but the exact result depends on contract type, local definitions of wage, resignation rules, and any more favourable employer policy.

For a worker comparing a UAE offer with another GCC offer, the biggest differences are salary basis and resignation treatment. In Saudi Arabia, resignation impact is summarised as: Can reduce depending on service length. Always confirm the local law text and contract wording before relying on a cross-country estimate.

Kuwait gratuity rules

Kuwait calculates end-of-service benefits on a wage basis described here as remuneration. The headline formula is 15 days/year for monthly paid staff for the early service period and one month/year after longer service, but the exact result depends on contract type, local definitions of wage, resignation rules, and any more favourable employer policy.

For a worker comparing a UAE offer with another GCC offer, the biggest differences are salary basis and resignation treatment. In Kuwait, resignation impact is summarised as: Reductions may apply by resignation timing. Always confirm the local law text and contract wording before relying on a cross-country estimate.

Oman gratuity rules

Oman calculates end-of-service benefits on a wage basis described here as basic wage. The headline formula is 15 days/year for the early service period and 30 days/year after longer service, but the exact result depends on contract type, local definitions of wage, resignation rules, and any more favourable employer policy.

For a worker comparing a UAE offer with another GCC offer, the biggest differences are salary basis and resignation treatment. In Oman, resignation impact is summarised as: Generally service-based. Always confirm the local law text and contract wording before relying on a cross-country estimate.

Qatar gratuity rules

Qatar calculates end-of-service benefits on a wage basis described here as basic wage. The headline formula is at least 3 weeks/year for the early service period and at least 3 weeks/year after longer service, but the exact result depends on contract type, local definitions of wage, resignation rules, and any more favourable employer policy.

For a worker comparing a UAE offer with another GCC offer, the biggest differences are salary basis and resignation treatment. In Qatar, resignation impact is summarised as: Generally owed after one year. Always confirm the local law text and contract wording before relying on a cross-country estimate.

Bahrain gratuity rules

Bahrain calculates end-of-service benefits on a wage basis described here as wage. The headline formula is half-month/year for the early service period and one month/year after longer service, but the exact result depends on contract type, local definitions of wage, resignation rules, and any more favourable employer policy.

For a worker comparing a UAE offer with another GCC offer, the biggest differences are salary basis and resignation treatment. In Bahrain, resignation impact is summarised as: Service and reason can affect amount. Always confirm the local law text and contract wording before relying on a cross-country estimate.

Worked example: equivalent AED 10,000 salary, 7 years

On a simplified basis, UAE gratuity would be AED 10,000 / 30 x (21 x 5 + 30 x 2) = AED 55,000 before any cap check. Saudi-style half-month then one-month tiers would produce roughly AED 45,000. Qatar's minimum three-weeks-per-year approach would produce roughly AED 49,000. These examples are directional only because wage definitions and local contract rules differ.

FAQ

Which GCC country pays the highest gratuity?

It depends on wage basis and service length. Kuwait and UAE can be generous for long service, but caps and resignation rules change the answer.

Can I combine GCC service periods?

Usually no. Each employer and country calculates end-of-service benefits separately unless a group transfer agreement says otherwise.

Can I get double gratuity when working across two GCC countries?

You can receive separate benefits for separate employment contracts, but the same service period is not normally counted twice.