Side by side
End of service across the GCC, compared
The rate, the wage basis, resignation rules and caps are different in every Gulf state. Here is how Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman and Bahrain compare, so you know what to expect before you calculate.
The quick comparison
The table below summarises the rules that decide your payout. The final column shows roughly how many months of wage you build up over five years of service on termination, calculated with our own engine.
| Country | Accrual rate | Wage basis | Resignation | Dismissal for cause | Cap | 5 yrs (months of wage) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🇸🇦 Saudi | Half month per year (first 5), then 1 month per year | Basic + allowances | Reduced: 1/3, 2/3, then full | Forfeited (Article 80) | No cap | 2.5 |
| 🇦🇪 UAE | 21 days per year (first 5), then 30 days per year | Basic salary only | No reduction | Still paid (Article 44) | 2 years of basic wage | 3.5 |
| 🇶🇦 Qatari | 3 weeks (21 days) per year, all years | Basic salary only | No reduction | Forfeited (Article 61) | No cap | 3.5 |
| 🇰🇼 Kuwaiti | 15 days per year (first 5), then 1 month per year | Wage incl. allowances | Reduced: 1/2, 2/3, then full | Forfeited (Article 41) | 1.5 years of wage | 2.9 |
| 🇴🇲 Omani | 1 month per year (from Aug 2023) | Basic salary only | No reduction | Forfeited (Article 40) | No cap | 3.5 |
| 🇧🇭 Bahraini | Half month per year (first 3), then 1 month per year | Wage reported to SIO | No reduction | Can be forfeited (Article 107) | No cap | 3.5 |
Months of wage are a like for like measure across currencies. Actual amounts also depend on the wage basis, so a country with a lower rate but a broader wage basis can still pay more in cash. Oman and Bahrain figures reflect service that spans their recent 2023 and 2024 reforms.
What the differences mean for you
- Wage basis is as important as the rate. The UAE, Qatar and Oman pay on basic salary only, so a large housing or transport allowance does not count. Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Bahrain include regular allowances.
- Resignation only hurts you in two countries. Saudi Arabia and Kuwait reduce the award if you resign early. The other four do not.
- Dismissal for gross misconduct can wipe out the benefit in Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman and Bahrain. The UAE is the exception, where gratuity is still paid.
- Only two countries cap the payout: the UAE at two years of basic wage, and Kuwait at one and a half years of wage.
Calculate your exact figure
Pick your country for a precise result based on your salary, your dates and how your job ended.
Frequently asked questions
Which GCC country pays the most end of service?
It depends on your salary structure and tenure. Oman and Bahrain reach a full month of wage per year sooner, while the UAE and Qatar use the basic salary only. Use each calculator to compare your own figure, since the wage basis changes the result as much as the rate does.
Do all Gulf countries reduce gratuity for resignation?
No. Only Saudi Arabia and Kuwait reduce the amount when you resign, based on your years of service. The UAE, Qatar, Oman and Bahrain pay the same whether you resign or are terminated, once you qualify.
Does the wage basis differ between countries?
Yes, and it matters a lot. The UAE, Qatar and Oman use basic salary only, while Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Bahrain include regular allowances. Two people on the same total package can receive very different amounts in different countries.