UAE Maternity and Parental Leave: Complete Employer Guide
Comprehensive guide to UAE maternity leave (60 days), parental leave (5 days), nursing breaks, and employee rights under Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021.
Quick Summary: Comprehensive guide to UAE maternity leave (60 days), parental leave (5 days), nursing breaks, and employee rights under Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021.
The UAE provides comprehensive maternity and parental leave protections under Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021. The UAE was the first Arab country to introduce parental leave for private sector employees.
This guide covers maternity leave entitlements, parental leave, nursing breaks, and employee protections according to MOHRE regulations.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Legal Basis | Articles 30, 32, Federal Decree-Law No. 33/2021 |
| Maternity Leave | 60 calendar days |
| Parental Leave | 5 working days (both parents) |
| Nursing Breaks | 1 hour daily for 6 months |
| Compassionate Leave | 3-5 days (death in family) |
Maternity Leave Entitlement
All female employees are entitled to 60 calendar days of maternity leave.
Payment Structure
| Period | Days | Payment |
|---|---|---|
| First period | 45 days | Full pay (100%) |
| Second period | 15 days | Half pay (50%) |
| Total | 60 days | - |
When to Take Leave
- Leave can start before expected delivery date
- Employer cannot require early return
- Medical certificate may be required for timing
Extended Leave Options
| Option | Duration | Payment |
|---|---|---|
| Medical complications | Additional 45 days | Unpaid |
| Continuous illness | As per sick leave rules | Sick leave rates |
For pregnancy/childbirth complications:
- Up to 45 additional days unpaid leave
- Must be supported by medical certificate
- Cannot be refused if medically necessary
Eligibility Requirements
Who Qualifies
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Employment status | Full-time or part-time employee |
| Service period | No minimum service required |
| Pregnancy confirmation | Medical certificate |
No Minimum Service
Unlike some other leave types, maternity leave:
- Does not require minimum service period
- Available from first day of employment
- Full entitlement regardless of tenure
Rights During Leave
| Right | Protection |
|---|---|
| Job protection | Cannot be terminated during leave |
| Salary | As per payment structure |
| Benefits | Continue during leave |
| Position | Must return to same or equivalent role |
Return to Work
| Right | Details |
|---|---|
| Same position | Or equivalent position |
| Same salary | No reduction |
| Nursing breaks | Additional right after return |
Nursing Breaks
After returning from maternity leave, nursing mothers are entitled to paid breaks.
Entitlement
| Period | Break Duration |
|---|---|
| First 6 months | 2 breaks daily, 30 minutes each (1 hour total) |
Conditions
- Paid breaks
- Cannot be deducted from salary
- Timing agreed with employer
- May be combined (1 hour at start or end of day)
Duration
Nursing breaks apply for 6 months from date of return to work.
Tip: Nursing breaks can be combined into a single 1-hour break at the beginning or end of the workday, as agreed with the employer.
Parental Leave
The UAE First
The UAE was the first Arab country to introduce parental leave for private sector employees.
Entitlement
| Parent | Duration | Payment |
|---|---|---|
| Father | 5 working days | Paid |
| Mother | 5 working days | Paid (in addition to maternity) |
Timing
- Must be taken within 6 months of child's birth
- Can be taken continuously or split
- Requires reasonable notice to employer
Eligibility
- Available to both parents
- No minimum service requirement
- Applies to both natural birth and adoption
Other Family Leave Types
Compassionate Leave (Death in Family)
| Relationship | Leave Duration |
|---|---|
| Spouse | 5 days paid |
| Parent | 3 days paid |
| Child | 3 days paid |
| Sibling | 3 days paid |
| Grandparent | 3 days paid |
| Grandchild | 3 days paid |
Study Leave
Employees with 2+ years of service are entitled to:
| Duration | Payment |
|---|---|
| 10 days per year | Paid |
Conditions:
- Minimum 2 years with employer
- UAE-accredited educational institution
- For exams or study requirements
Hajj Leave
| Duration | Payment |
|---|---|
| Up to 30 days | Unpaid |
- Once during employment with same employer
- Advance notice required
Protection Against Discrimination
Prohibited Actions
Employers cannot:
- Terminate pregnant employee
- Reduce salary during pregnancy
- Demote due to pregnancy/leave
- Refuse to hire due to pregnancy
- Discriminate against parents
During Probation
- Pregnant employees have same protections
- Cannot be terminated solely for pregnancy
- Normal probation rules otherwise apply
Interaction with Other Leave
Annual Leave:
- Maternity leave is separate from annual leave
- Annual leave continues to accrue during maternity leave
- Cannot be forced to use annual leave for maternity
Sick Leave:
- If sick during maternity leave, maternity leave continues as scheduled
- Sick leave applies after maternity period
Gratuity:
- Maternity leave counts toward continuous service for gratuity
Free Zone Variations
DIFC Maternity Leave
| Leave Type | DIFC Entitlement |
|---|---|
| Maternity (12+ months service) | 65 working days |
| Payment | First 33 days full pay, next 32 days half pay |
| Less than 12 months | 33 working days (pro-rata) |
| Paternity | 5 working days |
ADGM
Similar to DIFC - check specific regulations.
Other Free Zones
Generally follow UAE federal law.
Employer Obligations
Before Leave:
- Accept notification - cannot refuse maternity leave
- Plan coverage and arrange temporary replacement
- Facilitate work transition and handover
During Leave:
- Pay salary as per payment structure
- Maintain benefits (health insurance, etc.)
- No termination - job protection
- Limit contact to essential communication only
On Return:
- Reinstate to same or equivalent role
- Provide nursing breaks as required
- Equal treatment - no discrimination
Frequently Asked Questions
Automate Maternity Leave Tracking
NeuralHR tracks maternity leave, nursing breaks, and ensures compliance with UAE labor law automatically.
Was this guide helpful?
NeuralHR Team
VerifiedUAE HR Compliance Experts
Our team of HR professionals and legal experts specializes in UAE labor law compliance, with extensive experience helping businesses navigate MOHRE regulations, Emiratisation requirements, and workforce management in the UAE and GCC region.
Related Guides
UAE Sick Leave Rules: Complete Employer Guide
Comprehensive guide to UAE sick leave (90 days), payment structure (15 days full pay, 30 days half pay), medical certificates, and employer obligations under Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021.
UAE Annual Leave and Public Holidays: Complete Employer Guide
Comprehensive guide to UAE annual leave entitlements, public holidays, leave calculation methods, and carry forward rules under Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021.
UAE Labor Law 2025: Complete Employment Law Guide
Comprehensive guide to UAE Labor Law 2025 including Federal Decree-Law No. 33/2021, 2024 amendments, contracts, working hours, leave, termination, and penalties.