Maternity leave in the UAE is governed by Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021 and offers comprehensive protection for working mothers in the private sector. The law ensures paid maternity leave, medical extensions, nursing breaks, and additional parental support, helping women balance work and family responsibilities.
Under UAE Labour Law, a female employee is entitled to 60 days of maternity leave. This includes 45 days of fully paid leave followed by 15 days of half-paid leave. Employees may begin their maternity leave up to 30 days before the expected delivery date, offering flexibility in planning.
In cases of pregnancy-related illness or complications after childbirth, employees may request an additional 45 days of unpaid leave, subject to a valid medical certificate. Furthermore, if a newborn is ill or has a disability, the mother is entitled to an extra 30 days of fully paid leave, extendable by another 30 days unpaid.
The law also protects mothers returning to work. For six months after delivery, working mothers are entitled to one hour per day of paid nursing breaks, counted as working hours. In cases of stillbirth or newborn death after six months of pregnancy, full maternity leave with pay still applies.
Beyond maternity leave, the UAE also grants five working days of fully paid parental leave to both parents, which can be taken anytime within six months of the child’s birth. These measures reflect the UAE’s commitment to family welfare and gender-inclusive workplaces.
