Maternity Leave in the UAE 2025: Working Women’s Rights Under the Updated Law
Maternity leave in the United Arab Emirates is governed by clear federal legislation and updated governmental regulations. For personalized legal advice regarding maternity rights, employment disputes, or family-related legal matters, you may consult our Family Law Legal Services in the UAE to ensure your rights are fully protected under the applicable laws. It is essential to distinguish accurately between the rules applicable to the private sector, the federal government sector, and local support initiatives.
Legal Basis for Maternity Leave
Maternity leave in the private sector is regulated under Federal Decree-Law No. (33) of 2021 on the Regulation of Labour Relations, particularly Article (30), in addition to the regulations issued by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE).
Maternity leave in the federal government sector is governed by the Federal Government Human Resources System, as published on the official UAE Government platform.
What Is the Duration of Maternity Leave in the Private Sector?
Pursuant to Article (30) of the UAE Labour Law, female employees working in private sector establishments are entitled to 60 days of maternity leave, distributed as follows:
- 45 days with full pay
- 15 days with half pay
The law does not require a minimum period of service to qualify for maternity leave. It is a statutory right for every female employee subject to the provisions of the UAE Labour Law.
What Is the Duration of Maternity Leave After Childbirth?
After completing the maternity leave period of 60 days, a female employee may take an additional unpaid leave of up to 45 days if the absence is due to illness affecting her or her child as a result of pregnancy or childbirth.
This must be supported by a medical certificate issued by a competent medical authority.
This additional period is not included in the employee’s service period for the purposes of end-of-service gratuity or pension contributions.
When Is a Pregnant Employee Entitled to Start Maternity Leave?
The UAE Labour Law allows a female employee to commence maternity leave at any time from the last day of the month immediately preceding the expected month of delivery, based on an approved medical certificate specifying the expected delivery date.
Accordingly, the legal answer to the question “When can a pregnant employee start maternity leave?” is that she may request to begin maternity leave before childbirth within the timeframe determined by an approved medical report.
Maternity Leave in Case of a Sick Child or a Child of Determination
If a female employee gives birth to a sick child or a child of determination whose health condition requires continuous care, she is entitled to:
| Entitlement | Duration | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Additional Maternity Leave | 30 days | Full pay |
| Extended Leave Option | 30 days | Without pay |
This entitlement is subject to a medical report issued by a competent medical authority confirming the child’s need for continuous care.
Breastfeeding Breaks After Returning to Work
Upon returning to work after maternity leave, a female employee is entitled, for a period of six months from the date of childbirth, to one or two breastfeeding breaks per day, provided that the total duration does not exceed one hour per day.
This hour is considered fully paid, and the employer may not deduct it from the employee’s salary or treat it as part of any other leave.
What Is the Duration of Maternity Leave in the Federal Government Sector?
The rules applicable to the federal government sector differ from those of the private sector and are governed by the Federal Government Human Resources System, as stated on the official UAE Government platform.
Accordingly, female employees in permanent federal government positions are entitled to 90 days of maternity leave with full pay.
In addition, fathers employed in the federal government are entitled to 5 days of paid paternity leave, subject to applicable regulations. As for local governments (such as Dubai and Abu Dhabi), each emirate has its own human resources regulations, which may provide similar or slightly different entitlements depending on local legislation.
Abu Dhabi Initiative Supporting Maternity Leave for Emirati Women in the Private Sector
In addition to the general provisions of the UAE Labour Law, the Abu Dhabi Social Support Authority, under the “Emirati Family Growth Support Program”, has launched an initiative to support maternity leave for Emirati women working in the private sector.
Under this initiative, financial support is provided to enable Emirati female employees in the private sector to effectively benefit from up to 90 days of paid maternity leave, through a combination of employer contribution and government support. This initiative does not constitute a direct amendment to Article (30) of the UAE Labour Law.
Types of Leave in the UAE Under the Private Sector Labour Law
In addition to maternity leave, the UAE Labour Law and MOHRE regulations provide for several types of leave for private sector employees, including:
- Annual leave with pay within the limits specified by law
- Sick leave subject to graduated pay rules
- Paternity leave with pay for working fathers
- Special or emergency leave in cases such as death or marriage, as prescribed by law
- Unpaid leave, subject to agreement between the employee and employer or as permitted by regulations
Employees are advised to refer to the full text of the Labour Law and implementing ministerial resolutions, as regulatory updates may occur from time to time.
Legal Disclaimer
The information provided in this article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. It should not be relied upon as a basis for making decisions without consulting a licensed lawyer or legal advisor in the United Arab Emirates.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the duration of maternity leave in the UAE for the private sector?
It is 60 days, including 45 days with full pay and 15 days with half pay, for female employees subject to Federal Decree-Law No. (33) of 2021.
What is the duration of maternity leave after childbirth?
After completing maternity leave, a female employee may take up to 45 additional unpaid days if medically proven that she or her child is ill due to pregnancy or childbirth.
What types of leave are available for private sector employees in the UAE?
They include annual leave, sick leave, maternity leave, paternity leave, certain special leaves, and unpaid leave as provided by law or company regulations.
When can a pregnant employee start maternity leave?
A pregnant employee may start maternity leave from the last day of the month immediately preceding the expected month of delivery, based on an approved medical certificate stating the expected delivery date.
