Maternity Leave in UAE Labor Law: Comprehensive Guide 2025
Maternity leave is an important entitlement for a working mother, providing an appropriate balance between professional and personal life at the crucial stage of one’s life. In the United Arab Emirates, labor laws extend commanding governance over maternity leave for the better protection of health to women and their children. This guide will explain everything about the UAE Labor Law in terms of maternity leave, so this is rather vital for both employees and employers.
Understanding Maternity Leave Rights in the UAE
Maternity leaves in the UAE ensure adequate leave for working mothers to take care of their newborns and to be job-secure. The labor law in UAE states that women are entitled to 60 days of leave-45 days with full pay and 15 days with half pay-and are allowed to request an additional 45 days of unpaid leave if supported by valid medical documentation. These are some of the important provisions of employee rights under UAE law, reflecting the country’s commitment to maternal health and work-life balance.
Eligibility for Maternity Leave
To be eligible for maternity leave, the employee must meet the following conditions:
- Be employed in the UAE upon a valid contract.
- Have completed at least one year of continuous service, although provisions differ for shorter employment periods.
Duration of Maternity Leave
The labor law of the United Arab Emirates determines the following periods:
Paid Leave: 60 calendar days, including:
- 45 days at full pay.
- 15 days at half pay.
Leave Without Pay: A further 45 days may be granted subject to the employer’s approval on the production of a medical certificate.
Conditions for Maternity Leave Benefits
The conditions of maternity leave in the UAE have ensured that this entitlement has appropriate financial support for the period of the leave, allowing for a situation whereby those who completed at least a year’s continuous service can be entitled to 45 days full pay and 15 days half pay. Others below this period could enjoy similar types of leaves but with reduced benefits. Besides this, a mother can avail 45 days’ leave without pay by the employer with due approval, on the provision of valid medical reasons supporting the case.
Payment During Leave
Maternity leave is provided to employees with a payment relative to their salary scale and duration of leave. Full pay for 45 days is applicable if the maternity leave begins after the employee has completed one year of service.
Provisions Relating to Leave Without Pay
In certain cases, employees can request unpaid leave beyond the prescribed period, subject to the employer’s discretion and valid medical documents.
Maternity Leave Facility for Government Employees
Government employees working in the UAE have the facility of extended maternity leave:
- 90 days of paid leave.
- Annual leave or leave without pay can be combined in addition to the 90 days.
Nursing Breaks Post-Maternity Leave
The working mothers are eligible for nursing breaks for 18 months post-childbirth:
- Two nursing breaks are allowed each day.
- These breaks are fully paid and counted in the working hours.
Maternity Leave for Part-Time Employees
The maternity leave benefit is also granted to part-time employees in the UAE in order to ensure parity in treatment, regardless of employment category. While the leave duration is considered to be the same as for full-time employees, the payment is in proportion with actual working hours and the agreement made with the employee. The law means to show that the UAE’s Labor Law cares for all working mothers, whether they are under full-time or part-time employment.
Medical and Health Provisions for Pregnant Employees
Employers must ensure a safe work environment. For example, pregnant employees should not be assigned heavy tasks. In the light of professional recommendations, flexible work arrangements may be granted.
Paternity Leave for Fathers
The UAE labor law provides paternity leave for fathers along with maternity leave. The father is entitled to 5 days of paid leave within six months after the birth of the child.
Government Initiatives Supporting Working Mothers
Different initiatives taken by the government of UAE help support working moms with a work-friendly atmosphere: maternity policies with improved conditions, flexibility in choosing hours to work, on-site availability of child-care facilities, etc. A larger number of campaigns at workplaces on rights of the mothers creates consciousness among the employee and employers. This brings increased sensitivity toward pregnant workers or workers balancing both motherly duties with their respective work commitment. Working mothers can file a labor complaint in UAE to resolve the issues and hold employers in compliance with labor laws if such rights are violated by them.
Major differences between the UAE’s and global maternity leave policy end
- UAE: 60 days paid leave plus 45 days unpaid leave.
- USA: No federally mandated paid leave; dependent on employer policy.
- Europe: generous paid leaves, which in many countries include up to 16 weeks or more.
Conclusion
The maternity leave under UAE labor law is designed to support working mothers while ensuring employers are compliant with the regulations. Both employees and employers can understand these rights and responsibilities for a balanced, productive, and inclusive work environment.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can maternity leave be extended beyond 105 days?
Yes, but only with employer approval and valid medical documentation.
2. Are nursing breaks mandatory for employers to provide?
Yes, nursing breaks are a legal right for working mothers.
3. Can maternity leave be availed multiple times?
Yes, maternity leave can be taken for each pregnancy as per eligibility.
4. What happens if a miscarriage occurs?
Women are entitled to 10 days of paid leave in case of a miscarriage after 6 months of pregnancy.
