Maternity Leave in the UAE: 60-Day Labour Law, Expat Rules, and Application Samples (2026 Guide)

Maternity leave is paid time off for female employees around childbirth to recover and care for a newborn. In the UAE, it is mandatory under Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021 - 60 days for all female employees from day one: first 45 days at full pay and the remaining 15 days at half pay.

Quick Answer

• Duration: The standard entitlement is 60 days for female employees.
• Pay Structure: The first 45 days are fully paid, and the subsequent 15 days are paid at half salary.
• Eligibility: Available to all female employees from their first day of work, regardless of length of service.
• Additional Leave: In cases of illness related to pregnancy, up to 45 additional unpaid days can be granted. If the child is born sick or disabled, mothers receive an extra 30 days fully paid, plus an optional 30 days unpaid.
• Emirati Support: A specific government top-up allows up to 90 days of paid leave for Emirati mothers working in Abu Dhabi's private sector.

For working mothers, understanding the true maternity leave meaning goes beyond just time off; it is about job security, financial stability, and the legal right to heal and care for a newborn. This guide breaks down everything from federal regulations to specific regional programs so you can focus on your growing family without HR stress.

Maternity Leave Under the UAE Labour Law

Under the Maternity Leave UAE Labour Law framework (Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021), the government has structured a generous baseline for working mothers. Whether you are looking at Maternity Leave in Dubai or Abu Dhabi, all mainland and most free zone companies must adhere to this federal baseline.

The UAE Labor Law Maternity Leave provisions state that female employees are entitled to 60 calendar days of leave. The first 45 days are granted at full pay, and the remaining 15 days are granted at half pay. Importantly, the UAE Maternity Leave Law ensures that your job is entirely protected during this period; terminating an employee because she is pregnant or on maternity leave is strictly prohibited.

If you are comparing international policies, such as Maternity Leave in the UK or Maternity Leave in India, the Middle East offers a highly competitive structure because employees qualify from day one of their contract, without needing a minimum length of service.

Understanding Maternity Leave in the UAE for the Private Sector

There is sometimes confusion between government entitlements and private sector rights. When looking at Maternity Leave in the UAE Private Sector, the 60-day rule is the absolute legal minimum. However, progressive companies can always offer more.

If you are researching the standard Maternity Leave UAE Private Sector policies, you should also know about extensions. If you experience an illness directly resulting from pregnancy or childbirth, you can take up to 45 additional days of unpaid leave, provided you submit an official medical certificate.

The 90 Days Maternity Leave for the Private Sector (Abu Dhabi)

While 60 days is the standard, you may have heard about a 90-day rule. Through the Abu Dhabi Social Support Authority (ADSSA), there is a specific program granting 90 Days Maternity Leave for the Private Sector. This is an Emirati-only benefit. Through this service, Emirati mothers working in the private sector and registered in Abu Dhabi can apply for government financial support to supplement their salary, allowing them to extend their leave up to 90 days.

Maternity and Paternity Leave: The Rules for Fathers

Discussions around Maternity and Paternity Leave often bring up the question of whether fathers get time off. Sometimes people search for the term Male Maternity Leave, but legally, this is recognized as Parental Leave or Paternity Leave. The UAE labour law grants 5 days of paid parental leave for either parent, which must be utilized within 6 months of the child's birth.

How to Apply for Maternity Leave: Step by Step

To ensure your Maternity Leave in the UAE is processed smoothly, you must apply with your estimated dates and provide official medical documentation.

Option A: Through the HRMS Portal

If your company uses an Employee Self-Service (ESS) platform, this is the most secure way to apply.

• Initiate the Request: Log into your company's HRMS app and navigate to Leave Management.
• Select the Category: Choose Maternity Leave from the drop-down menu.
• Input Dates: A female worker may apply for her leave up to 30 days prior to her expected date of delivery. Input your intended start date.
• Upload Documentation: Attach a digital copy of your doctor's certificate confirming the pregnancy and the expected delivery date.
• Submit: The system will route the request to your manager for operational awareness and to HR for payroll processing.

Option B: By Email

If your company relies on email, send a formal request to HR and your manager at least 4 to 6 weeks before your due date. Attach your medical certificate to the email.

Once approved, before you log off for your final day, setting up a Maternity Leave Out of Office Message is essential to direct your clients and team appropriately. Use this template:

Subject: Out of Office: Maternity Leave

Hello,

Thank you for your email. I am currently out of the office on maternity leave and will not be checking emails during this time. I am expected to return on [Date].

For urgent matters regarding [Project/Client Name], please contact [Colleague's Name] at [Email Address]. For all general inquiries, please reach out to [General Team Email].

Thank you for your understanding.

Best regards,\ [Your Name] | [Your Title]

FAQs

Are part-time employees entitled to maternity leave?

Yes. Eligibility is not limited to full-time employees. Part-time and contract workers are entitled to the leave if they meet legal requirements, though their pay may be adjusted proportionally to their working hours.

Do I get nursing breaks when I return to work?

Yes. After returning from leave, you are entitled to one or two daily breaks to nurse your child. The total duration of these breaks must not exceed one hour per day, and this right lasts for 6 months from the date of delivery. These breaks are fully paid.

Can my employer terminate me while I am pregnant?

Absolutely not. The UAE Labour Law strictly prohibits terminating a female employee, or giving her notice of termination, because she is pregnant or on maternity leave.