Maternity Leave in UAE: Complete Guide to Rights, Salary & Benefits

Motherhood is one of life’s most profound journeys — in the UAE, it is supported with care, clarity, and commitment through clearly defined maternity leave benefits. If you are an employee preparing to welcome a child, an HR professional, or simply curious about your entitlements, understanding maternity leave in UAE is important.

What Does Maternity Leave Really Mean?

Maternity leave in UAE refers to the legally granted period of absence from work for a female employee in connection with childbirth. This time off allows expecting or new mothers to recover physically, bond with their newborns, and manage early parenting responsibilities — all without fear of losing their job or pay.

In the UAE, maternity leave is more than just a personal right — it’s a legally protected employment benefit outlined under both federal labour laws and local government regulations. 

An Overview of the UAE Labour Law for Maternity

Maternity leave in the UAE is firmly grounded in Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021 on the Regulation of Labour Relations, also known as the UAE Labour Law. This law ensures that female employees receive fair maternity benefits, whether they are employed in the private or public sector.

It also sets clear expectations for employers, protects job security, and aligns with the UAE's broader efforts to support working women and gender equality.

All maternity leave entitlements are based on — 

1. UAE Labour Law (Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021)
2. Cabinet Resolution No. 1 of 2022
3. Government Human Resources Law (for federal government employees)
4. Emirate-specific resolutions for Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and others

How Long is Maternity Leave in UAE?

Maternity leave duration in the UAE is clearly defined by law and aims that female employees have sufficient time to prepare for childbirth and care for their newborns without fear of losing income or employment.

Both the private and public sectors follow different structures, but each guarantees a minimum amount of paid leave.

 

Who is Eligible for Maternity Leave in the UAE?

Maternity leave in the UAE is designed to be inclusive and supportive and the eligibility criteria reflect that intent.  Let’s take a look at the eligibility criteria for maternity leave — 

 

Maternity Leave for Private Sector Employees in the UAE

Female employees working in the private sector are protected under the UAE Labour Law (Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021), which sets clear standards for maternity leave duration, salary entitlement and job security. These rights apply across all emirates — including Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, and others — under the federal framework.

 

Maternity Leave for Public Sector Employees in the UAE

Maternity leave in the UAE public sector is more generous than in the private sector. Each emirate and the federal government has its own human resources law, but most follow a 90-day fully paid maternity leave structure — along with nursing time and optional extensions.

🏢 Federal Government

1. 👩‍⚕️ Eligibility: Applies to all female employees working in ministries, authorities, and federal departments
2.  📅 Leave Duration: 90 days of full paid maternity leave
3. 🕑 Nursing Break: 2 paid hours daily for 6 months post return
4. ➕ Can be combined with annual or unpaid leave

📜 Legal Reference: Federal Decree No. 11 of 2008 on Human Resources Law (Amended in 2019)

🏙️ Dubai Government

1. 📅 Leave Duration: 90 days of fully paid maternity leave
2. 💼 Extension Options

• Can add up to 30 days of unpaid leave
• Or combine it with annual leave

1. 🍼 Nursing Breaks: 2 hours per day for 1 year

📌 Applies to employees under the Dubai Government Human Resources Management Law

🏰 Abu Dhabi Government

1. 📅 Maternity Leave: 3 months (90 days) with full pay
2. 🕐 Nursing Time: 2 hours daily for 1 full year
3. 💡 May request flexible working hours after maternity leave

📌 Covered under Abu Dhabi Government HR Law (Amiri Decree)

🌉 Sharjah Government

1. 📅 Leave Duration: 90 days (fully paid)
2. 🕑 Nursing Hours: 2 hours daily for 6 months
3. ➕ May combine with annual leave or unpaid leave

📌 Applies to local departments in the Sharjah Government

🏞️ Ras Al Khaimah Government

1. 📅 Leave: 90 days with full pay
2. 👩‍💻 Applies to all government employees of RAK
3. 📌 Includes nursing time and extension rights similar to federal guidelines

Additional Leave Entitlement for Medical Reasons After Maternity

Even after the standard maternity leave ends, the UAE Labour Law provides extra protection and time off if the mother or baby experiences health complications.

This additional leave is unpaid, but it is fully protected by law — meaning your job remains secure, and no penalties can be applied.

🔄 When Can You Take Additional Leave?

If a female employee, after completing her standard maternity leave, is unable to resume work due to illness related to pregnancy or childbirth, she is entitled to —

1. 📅 Up to 45 consecutive or intermittent days of unpaid leave
2.  Condition: A medical certificate must be issued by a UAE-licensed medical authority, confirming the condition and need for rest

📌This right is protected under Article 30 of the UAE Labour Law (Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021).

Paternity Leave in the UAE

The UAE is among the first countries in the region to officially recognise paternity leave for private sector employees, under the landmark Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021. This law supports both parents in welcoming and caring for a newborn during the early days of life.

📅 How Many Paternity Leaves are Granted?

📌 Emirate-Specific Paternity Leave (Public Sector)

 

Health Insurance and Maternity Benefits in the UAE

Health coverage during pregnancy is a legal obligation in the UAE. Whether you're employed in the private sector or the public sector, maternity health insurance must be provided by your employer as part of your benefits package.

These benefits include everything from prenatal check-ups to delivery and postnatal care.

As per UAE Health Insurance Law (Dubai and Abu Dhabi), and UAE Labour Law — 

1. Employers must provide medical insurance coverage to all employees
2. For female employees, this includes maternity services
3. In Abu Dhabi and Dubai, dependents including spouses must also be insured

Maternity insurance in UAE generally provides the following benefits — 

For instance, in Dubai, the Essential Benefits Plan (EBP) provides:

1. AED 7,000 for normal delivery
2. AED 10,000 for cesarean section
3. 10% co-payment by the employee (as per DHA guidelines)

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