Need advice on UAE resignation / notice period and penalty
I joined a company in April, but the work environment has been quite bad. I recently got a new opportunity and resigned today.
When I spoke to my manager, he threatened me with a AED 17,000 penalty for leaving within a short period. However, this penalty is not mentioned anywhere in my employment contract (although it is mentioned in some of my colleagues’ contracts), and it was never communicated to me verbally either.
My contract states that the notice period is as per UAE law, so I understand it should be 30 days. I submitted my resignation in writing with a 30-day notice period.
However, my manager says they cannot release me after 30 days and can only release me in the first week of October. My new employer expects me to join in the last week of September, so I cannot extend the notice period.
I have submitted the resignation by email today to keep everything documented.
What would you suggest I do? Should I wait 1–2 weeks and see how they respond, or take any other steps now?