Maternity & Parental Leave in UAE
Reviewed by the Commoner Law Editorial Team. Sourced from UAE federal decrees, laws, and ministerial decisions. Written in plain language for general understanding — this is educational content, not legal advice. Our editorial standards
What is this right?
UAE law provides maternity, paternity, and parental leave for private-sector workers:
- Maternity leave: Female employees get 60 days — the first 45 days at full pay and the next 15 days at half pay.
- Extended maternity: If the mother or baby has health complications, she can take an additional 45 days unpaid (with a medical certificate).
- Paternity leave: Fathers get 5 working days of paid leave within the first 6 months after the child's birth.
- Nursing breaks: After returning to work, mothers are entitled to two paid breaks per day (30 minutes each or one hour combined) for nursing, for up to 6 months after delivery.
- Job protection: It is illegal to fire a woman because of pregnancy or while she is on maternity leave.
When does it apply?
- You work in the private sector. Under FDL 33/2021 Art. 30, there is no minimum service requirement for maternity leave — it applies from day one of employment.
- Maternity leave can start up to 30 days before the expected delivery date.
- Paternity leave is available from the date of the child's birth and must be taken within 6 months.
What to Do If Your UAE Employer Denies Your Maternity Leave
- Notify your employer in writing about your pregnancy and expected delivery date as early as possible.
- Provide a medical certificate from a licensed doctor confirming the pregnancy and expected delivery date.
- For paternity leave, submit a written request with the child's birth certificate.
- If your employer denies your leave or fires you, file a complaint with MOHRE immediately through the MOHRE app, the 600-590000 hotline, or at a Tasheel centre. Dismissal for pregnancy carries penalties for the employer including compensation of up to 3 months' salary.
What should you NOT do?
- Do not resign under pressure — if your employer pressures you to resign because of pregnancy, this is illegal and you should report it to MOHRE.
- Do not forget to use your nursing breaks — they are a legal right for 6 months after delivery.
- Do not wait to file a complaint — if your maternity rights are violated, act quickly. Workers earning under AED 8,000/month qualify for free legal aid in labour court.
Common Questions
When does it apply — maternity & parental leave?
You work in the private sector. Under FDL 33/2021 Art. 30, there is no minimum service requirement for maternity leave — it applies from day one of employment.Maternity leave can start up to 30 days before the expected delivery date.Paternity leave is available from the date of the child's birth and must be taken within 6 months.
What should I do if my employer in the UAE refuses to give me maternity leave?
Notify your employer in writing about your pregnancy and expected delivery date as early as possible.Provide a medical certificate from a licensed doctor confirming the pregnancy and expected delivery date.For paternity leave, submit a written request with the child's birth certificate.If your employer denies your leave or fires you, file a complaint with MOHRE immediately through the MOHRE app, the 600-590000 hotline, or at a Tasheel centre. Dismissal for pregnancy carries penalties for the employer including compensation of up to 3 months' salary.
What should you NOT do — maternity & parental leave?
Do not resign under pressure — if your employer pressures you to resign because of pregnancy, this is illegal and you should report it to MOHRE.Do not forget to use your nursing breaks — they are a legal right for 6 months after delivery.Do not wait to file a complaint — if your maternity rights are violated, act quickly. Workers earning under AED 8,000/month qualify for free legal aid in labour court.