When would a notice period begin upon resignation rejection?

Good day,

I am currently under a 2-year limited contract in Dubai, which began on March 17, 2022. I submitted my resignation on January 15, 2023, due to personal reasons, as I need to return to my home country.

My employer replied on the same day that my resignation has been rejected. I will be serving my 2-month notice period, which will end on March 14, 2023, as stated in my resignation letter.

I have also requested to have at least 10 days removed from my notice period, which can be deducted from my remaining leave credits.

As of today, I have not received any update regarding my resignation, except for my direct manager replying to the rejection email from our HR department.

- When will my notice period start?

- Will I be liable to pay early termination compensation to my employer even if I serve my notice period?

- Will I be entitled to a 1-year gratuity, since my resignation has not been acknowledged until now, and my notice period will end around my 1st year in the company?

Kindly advise.

Thank you!