Understanding your maternity and parental leave entitlements in the UAE is essential for planning your return to work, your childcare arrangements, and your family's finances. The UAE's leave provisions vary significantly between the private sector, government sector, and free zones like the DIFC, and recent proposals by the Federal National Council could change the landscape further. This guide covers every entitlement in detail, including the corrections and clarifications that many online sources get wrong.
Private Sector Maternity Leave
Under Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021, Article 30, private sector employees are entitled to 60 days of maternity leave:
- First 45 days: Full pay
- Next 15 days: Half pay
Key Details
No minimum service requirement. Unlike some countries, you do not need to have worked for a specific period before becoming eligible. Maternity leave is a right from day one of employment.
When it can begin. You can start maternity leave up to 30 days before your expected delivery date. This means the leave can span from approximately one month before birth to one month after.
If you cannot return to work. If illness related to pregnancy or childbirth prevents your return, you are entitled to an additional 45 days of unpaid leave, supported by a medical certificate.
If your newborn has a disability. An additional 30 days of fully paid leave, followed by a further 30 days unpaid, is available.
DIFC Employees
The Dubai International Financial Centre operates under its own employment law. DIFC maternity leave is 65 days, slightly more generous than the standard private sector provision.
Government Sector Maternity Leave
Government sector maternity leave is significantly more generous than the private sector.
| Sector | Leave Duration | Pay |
|---|---|---|
| Federal Government | 90 days | Full pay |
| Dubai Government | 90 days | Full pay |
| Sharjah Government | 120 days | 90 days paid + 30 days unpaid |
Federal Decree Law No. 49 of 2022, Article 19 governs federal government maternity leave. Government employees can combine maternity leave with other leave types to extend their time away for up to 120 days total.
The FNC 98-Day Proposal
On January 22, 2026, the Federal National Council (FNC) proposed extending private sector maternity leave to 98 days. This aligns with the WHO and ILO recommendation of a minimum 14-week maternity leave.
Important: this is a recommendation, not yet law. The proposal was part of broader FNC recommendations that also include:
- Flexible and remote work arrangements for mothers with children under 10
- The ability to split maternity leave for premature babies
- Enforcement of on-site nursery requirements for large employers
The UAE declared 2026 the "Year of the Family," which has given these proposals political momentum. However, until the proposal is enacted into law, private sector maternity leave remains at 60 days.
Paternity Leave
The UAE is the first GCC country to introduce a defined private sector paternity leave entitlement.
Private sector: 5 working days, available to either parent, to be taken within 6 months of the child's birth.
Federal Government: 5 working days.
Dubai Government: 3 days.
DIFC: 5 working days.
While 5 days is modest by international standards, it is notable in the regional context. Some employers voluntarily offer additional paternity leave as part of their benefits package, and this is worth asking about during employment negotiations.
Nursing Breaks
This is one of the most commonly misquoted entitlements online. Here are the correct figures:
Private Sector
You are entitled to breaks totalling not more than 1 hour per day for 6 months after returning to work. These can be taken as one or two breaks per day, in addition to your regular rest periods.
Note: The "1 to 2 hours for 1 year" figure that appears on many websites applies to some government sectors only, not the private sector.
Government Sector
Nursing break entitlements vary:
- Dubai Government: 2 hours per day for 1 year
- Abu Dhabi Government: 2 hours per day for 1 year
- Federal Government: 2 hours per day for 6 months
These are paid breaks. The timing is typically agreed between the employee and employer: common arrangements include arriving late, leaving early, or taking an extended lunch break.
Job Protection
Article 30(8) of the Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021 is clear: it is "not permissible to terminate or serve notice because of pregnancy or maternity leave."
This means:
- You cannot be fired for being pregnant.
- You cannot be given notice during your maternity leave.
- You cannot be made redundant because of your pregnancy or maternity status.
If you believe you have been discriminated against, you can file a complaint with the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE).
GCC Comparison
How does the UAE compare with its neighbours?
| Country | Maternity Leave | Pay | Paternity Leave |
|---|---|---|---|
| UAE (private) | 60 days | 45 full + 15 half | 5 days |
| Oman | 98 days | Full pay | 7 days |
| Saudi Arabia | 84 days | Full pay | 3 days |
| Bahrain | 75 days | Full pay | 1 day |
| Kuwait | 70 days | Full pay | None |
| Qatar | 50 days | Full pay | 3 days |
The UAE sits mid-range in the GCC for maternity leave duration. Oman leads with 98 days at full pay. Saudi Arabia recently extended leave from 70 to 84 days (effective February 2025). Qatar has the shortest provision at 50 days. However, the UAE is the first GCC country to introduce a formal private sector paternity leave entitlement.
Flexible Work Arrangements
The UAE legally recognises multiple work patterns under Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021, including temporary, flexible, remote, and job-sharing arrangements. However, in the private sector, flexible work is not a statutory entitlement: it remains a contractual arrangement between employer and employee.
The FNC has proposed making flexible work mandatory for mothers with children under 10, but this remains a proposal. Some companies, particularly multinational firms and those in free zones, already offer flexible arrangements voluntarily.
If flexible working is important to you, discuss it during your employment negotiations. Having it written into your contract provides much stronger protection than relying on informal arrangements.
How Parental Leave Affects Nursery Timing
Your parental leave directly determines when you need childcare. Here is how different leave durations map to nursery planning:
60-day private sector leave: You will need childcare from approximately 2 months post-birth. Very few nurseries specialise in children this young. Most families bridge the gap with a nanny, family help, or a helper until the child is 3 to 6 months old, then transition to a nursery with a baby room.
90-day government leave: Childcare needed from approximately 3 months. More nurseries accept children from 3 months onwards, though availability in infant rooms remains limited.
120-day Sharjah Government leave: Childcare needed from approximately 4 months. This extra time allows for more nursery options and a longer period for the child to develop before starting.
Regardless of your leave duration, the key recommendation is to start researching nurseries and registering for waitlists before your baby is born. Infant room places are the most constrained, and waiting until leave ends to start looking can leave you without options. For guidance on nursery timing, see our guide on when to enrol your child in nursery. For detailed fee information, see our guide on nursery fees in the UAE.
What Parents Often Get Wrong
Confusing private and government sector entitlements. The 90-day figure applies to government only. Private sector maternity leave is 60 days.
Believing the 98-day proposal is law. The FNC proposed 98 days in January 2026, but it has not been enacted. Your current entitlement remains 60 days in the private sector.
Getting nursing break durations wrong. Private sector: 1 hour per day for 6 months. The 1 to 2 hours for 1 year figure applies to some government sectors only.
Not knowing about job protection. You cannot be terminated for pregnancy or maternity leave. This protection is explicit in the law.
Waiting until after birth to plan childcare. Parental leave passes quickly. Research nurseries and nanny options during pregnancy so you are not making rushed decisions under sleep-deprived pressure.
Bottom Line
Understanding your exact maternity and parental leave entitlements, and the difference between what is law and what is proposed, helps you plan your return to work and your childcare arrangements with confidence. Start nursery research before your baby arrives, know your rights around job protection and nursing breaks, and negotiate flexible work arrangements into your contract if they matter to you. The transition back to work is easier when you are informed and prepared.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is maternity leave in the UAE private sector?
60 days: 45 days at full pay and 15 days at half pay. There is no minimum service requirement. You can begin leave up to 30 days before your expected delivery date.
Is the 98-day maternity leave proposal now law?
No. The FNC proposed extending private sector maternity leave to 98 days on January 22, 2026. This remains a recommendation and has not been enacted into law.
How much paternity leave do fathers get in the UAE?
Private sector: 5 working days, available to either parent, within 6 months of birth. Federal Government: 5 days. Dubai Government: 3 days.
What are nursing breaks in the UAE private sector?
You are entitled to breaks totalling not more than 1 hour per day for 6 months after returning to work. The 2-hours-for-1-year figure applies to some government sectors only.
Can I be fired during maternity leave?
No. UAE law explicitly prohibits termination or serving notice because of pregnancy or maternity leave.
How does UAE maternity leave compare to other GCC countries?
The UAE's 60 days (private sector) sits mid-range. Oman leads with 98 days at full pay, Saudi Arabia offers 84 days, and Qatar has the shortest at 50 days. The UAE is the first GCC country to introduce formal private sector paternity leave.
When should I start looking for nurseries relative to my maternity leave?
Start during pregnancy. Infant room places are limited and waitlists can be months long. Register 6 to 12 months before you need the place.