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Extended paid maternity leave soon? UAE minister says proposal being studied
The minimum paid maternity leave in private sector establishments is 60 days, and this period may not be reduced under any circumstances
- PUBLISHED: Thu 8 May 2025, 11:40 AM
Women working in the UAE's private sector may soon benefit from extended paid maternity leave, pending the outcome of recent discussions in the Federal National Council (FNC) and ongoing consideration by the relevant authorities.
The debate during the session has brought to light existing disparities and the ongoing efforts to align private sector practices with the country’s goals of women’s empowerment and workplace equality.
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The issue was raised by FNC member Dr Adnan Al Hammadi, who questioned Dr Abdul Rahman Al Awar, Minister of Human Resources and Emiratisation, about the inconsistencies in paid maternity leave for Emirati mothers in the private sector. Dr Al Hammadi highlighted observations that paid maternity leave can vary between 45 and 90 days, even for women performing similar roles within the same company.
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Dr Al Hammadi stated during the FNC session, "We have received feedback from Emirati mothers working in the private sector that the paid maternity leave they receive varies, despite working in the same establishment."
In a written response, Minister Al Awar clarified the current legal framework. Federal Law entitles a female worker to 60 days of paid maternity leave. This comprises 45 days at full pay and 15 days at half pay. Additionally, an employee can take a further 45 days of unpaid leave if she is unable to return to work due to documented health reasons, supported by an approved medical report.
"The minimum paid maternity leave in private sector establishments is 60 days, and this period may not be reduced under any circumstances," the Minister responded. He further explained that companies are permitted to offer additional benefits, such as extending paid maternity leave to 90 days, which would be considered a legitimate additional privilege.
However, the Minister emphasised that any such additional benefits must be clearly outlined in the company’s internal regulations and applied consistently. "Granting this benefit to one party without the other without justification, may be considered unlawful discrimination” he asserted. This protection includes equality in obtaining legally stipulated leaves when circumstances are similar.
The law also prohibits discrimination based on race, colour, sex, religion, national or social origin, or disability, if it would affect equal opportunities or equality in accessing, continuing, or enjoying job rights. It also prohibits discrimination in job duties of the same nature.
"Granting one female employee a longer maternity leave than the legal period without justification, and depriving others in the same establishment of the same treatment, if proven, is considered a clear violation" the Minister’s statement affirmed.
The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) provides channels for individuals to submit complaints regarding such issues, including an option for confidential reporting.
The Ministry will work directly to investigate the complaint and act based on the findings within a maximum of 14 working days, adding that no complaints concerning disparities in maternity leave in the private sector have been officially recorded to date.
Significantly, the Minister revealed ongoing efforts to review and potentially enhance maternity leave provisions. "The current agenda of the Labour Market Coordination Council includes studying the possibility of extending maternity leave for working women in the country."
The objectives behind this study are multi-faceted to empower working mothers, enhance job stability, and increase job loyalty rates without affecting the competitiveness of the UAE labour market or the productivity of the business environment.
Minister Al Awar also highlighted the positive outcomes of existing policies supporting Emirati women in the workforce. The UAE labour market achieved exceptional growth in 2024, with 21% growth in the female workforce, a rate that exceeds the average growth of male and female labour combined, which stood at 12% in the same year.
Furthermore, skilled female workers constitute 46% of the total female workforce, and a 34% growth in female employees in leadership positions within the legislators, managers, and business managers category during 2024.
Following the Minister’s response, Dr Al Hammadi provided further commentary, underscoring the perceived gap. “This problem comes to the surface, a difference in leave and a difference in pay: 90 days in the government sector fully paid, versus 45 days in the private sector, 15 days at half pay, and 30 days unpaid leave,” he elaborated. “This matter represents a clear gap between women’s empowerment policies and the legislation applied in the private sector."
Dr Al Hammadi expressed concern that "some employers in the private sector do not give importance to the social aspect.” He urged the Ministry to examine legislative models for maternity leave in other countries and proposed proactive measures. “We hope to adopt an initiative to support Emirati mothers working in the private sector."
Ruqayya Alqaydi is a Special Correspondent with an endless curiosity to learn. Like a journalist on a caffeine overdrive, she is fuelled by passion and on a mission to uncover every gem in the UAE.