Maternity Leave UAE 2026: Complete Guide for Employers & Employees
Comprehensive guide to maternity leave in UAE covering 60-day entitlement (45 days full pay, 15 days half pay), eligibility from day one, extended leave for complications, nursing breaks, termination protection, paternity leave, parental leave, and miscarriage/stillbirth provisions under Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021.
What is Maternity Leave in UAE?
Quick Summary: Maternity leave in UAE is governed by Article 30 of Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021. Female employees are entitled to 60 days of maternity leave: 45 days at full pay and 15 days at half pay. Eligibility starts from day one—no minimum service required. Extended leave of 45 days unpaid is available for complications. Additional provisions include nursing breaks (1 hour daily for 6 months), termination protection, and special leave for babies with disabilities. Fathers get 5 days paternity leave, and both parents can take 5 days parental leave.
Maternity leave is one of the most important employment protections for working mothers in the UAE. The country has progressively enhanced its maternity benefits, making it one of the most family-friendly labor markets in the Middle East.
Understanding maternity leave rights is essential for expecting mothers, HR professionals, and employers. For employees, knowing your full entitlements ensures you can plan your leave and return to work with confidence. For employers, proper maternity leave management demonstrates compliance with MOHRE regulations and creates a supportive workplace culture.
This guide covers everything about maternity leave in UAE for 2026, including recent updates, paternity leave, parental leave, and special provisions for challenging situations.
Maternity Leave Entitlement: 60 Days
Under Article 30 of Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021, female employees in the UAE private sector are entitled to 60 days of maternity leave.
Payment Structure
| Period | Days | Payment | Example (AED 15,000 salary) |
|---|---|---|---|
| First period | Days 1-45 | Full pay (100%) | AED 15,000/month |
| Second period | Days 46-60 | Half pay (50%) | AED 7,500/month |
Key Points About the 60-Day Entitlement
| Aspect | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Total days | 60 days |
| Full pay | First 45 days |
| Half pay | Next 15 days |
| When to apply | Up to 30 days before expected delivery |
| Minimum service | None required |
| Eligibility | From first day of employment |
Important: Unlike sick leave or annual leave, maternity leave has no probation or minimum service requirement. Whether you've worked for one week or ten years, you're entitled to the full 60 days of maternity leave.
How Maternity Leave Pay is Calculated
Maternity leave pay is calculated based on your full monthly salary, including basic salary and regular allowances.
Example calculation:
Employee with AED 18,000 monthly salary takes full 60-day maternity leave:
- First 45 days: AED 18,000 × (45/30) = AED 27,000 at full pay
- Next 15 days: AED 18,000 × (15/30) × 50% = AED 4,500 at half pay
- Total maternity pay: AED 31,500 for 60 days
Eligibility: No Minimum Service Required
One of the most progressive aspects of UAE maternity law is the immediate eligibility for all female employees.
Who is Eligible
| Criteria | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Employment type | All employment contracts |
| Nationality | UAE nationals and expatriates |
| Minimum service | None—eligible from day one |
| Probation status | Eligible even during probation |
| Free zones | Applicable (except DIFC and ADGM which have separate rules) |
Free Zone Considerations
DIFC (Dubai International Financial Centre):
- 65 working days of maternity leave
- First 33 days at full pay
- Remaining 32 days at half pay
- Requires 12 months of continuous employment for full entitlement
ADGM (Abu Dhabi Global Market): (Updated April 2025)
- 65 working days of maternity leave
- First 33 days at full pay
- Remaining 32 days at half pay
- 12-week qualifying period for maternity pay
- Maternity leave also applies to adoption of a child under 5
- Provisions for stillbirth/miscarriage after 24 weeks of pregnancy
- Nursing breaks: 1 hour daily for 9 months (longer than mainland UAE)
Employees in mainland UAE and other free zones follow the standard Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021 provisions.
Extended Maternity Leave Options
The UAE law recognizes that pregnancies and childbirths don't always follow a standard timeline. Several extended leave provisions exist.
Extended Leave for Complications (45 Days Unpaid)
If you develop a pregnancy-related illness or experience complications during childbirth that prevent you from returning to work:
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Additional days | Up to 45 days |
| Payment | Unpaid |
| Medical certificate | Required from authorized facility |
| Usage | Continuous or intermittent |
This 45-day extension provides crucial protection for mothers who need additional recovery time beyond the standard 60 days.
Leave for Baby with Disability or Illness (30 Days Full Pay + 30 Days Unpaid)
If your baby is born with a disability or serious health condition requiring constant care:
| Leave Type | Duration | Payment |
|---|---|---|
| First extension | 30 days | Full pay |
| Second extension | 30 days | Unpaid |
| Total additional | Up to 60 days | Mixed |
Requirements:
- Medical report from authorized healthcare facility
- Documentation of the child's condition
- Report confirming the need for constant care
Maximum Possible Leave Duration
Combining all provisions, a mother could be entitled to:
| Leave Type | Days | Payment |
|---|---|---|
| Standard maternity | 60 | 45 full + 15 half |
| Complications extension | 45 | Unpaid |
| Child disability (if applicable) | 60 | 30 full + 30 unpaid |
| Maximum total | 165 | Mixed |
Nursing Breaks: 1 Hour Daily for 6 Months
Returning to work doesn't mean the end of support for new mothers. UAE law provides dedicated nursing breaks.
Nursing Break Entitlements
| Aspect | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Duration | Up to 1 hour per day total |
| Frequency | One or two breaks per day |
| Payment | Fully paid |
| Period | 6 months from date of delivery |
| Timing | Agreed between employer and employee |
How Nursing Breaks Work
New mothers can take their nursing breaks in several ways:
- Single break: One 1-hour break at a preferred time
- Split breaks: Two 30-minute breaks (e.g., mid-morning and mid-afternoon)
- Modified schedule: Some employers allow starting later or leaving earlier
Best practice: Discuss your nursing break schedule with your employer before returning to work. Document the agreed arrangement in writing.
Practical Considerations
- Nursing breaks are in addition to regular lunch and prayer breaks
- Employers cannot reduce salary for nursing break time
- The 6-month period begins from the date of delivery, not the return-to-work date
- These breaks can be used for breastfeeding, expressing milk, or nursing-related activities
Protection from Termination
One of the strongest protections in UAE labor law is the prohibition against terminating pregnant employees or those on maternity leave.
What the Law Says
Under Article 30(8) of Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021:
"It is not permissible to terminate the service of a female employee or notify of termination due to pregnancy, taking maternity leave or being absent from work in accordance with the provisions of this Law."
Employment Protection Timeline
| Period | Protection Level |
|---|---|
| During pregnancy | Full protection—termination prohibited |
| During maternity leave | Full protection—termination prohibited |
| During extended leave | Protected if leave is approved |
| After return to work | Standard employment protections apply |
Employer Obligations
Employers must:
- Hold the employee's position during maternity leave
- Not issue termination notice due to pregnancy or maternity
- Allow return to work at the same or equivalent position
- Maintain benefits such as health insurance during leave
- Process maternity pay through WPS on time
What to Do If Your Rights Are Violated
If you believe you've been unfairly terminated due to pregnancy or maternity:
- Document all communications with your employer
- Keep copies of your employment contract and maternity leave application
- File a complaint with MOHRE through their app or service centers
- Consider seeking legal counsel for serious violations
Return to Work Rights
Your transition back to work is protected under UAE law.
Employee Rights Upon Return
| Right | Details |
|---|---|
| Same position | Entitled to return to same or equivalent role |
| Same salary | No reduction in pay or benefits |
| Nursing breaks | 1 hour daily for 6 months post-delivery |
| Flexible arrangements | Some employers offer phased return |
Gradual Return Options
While not mandated by law, many employers offer flexible return-to-work arrangements:
- Part-time work for initial weeks
- Work-from-home options where feasible
- Flexible hours to accommodate childcare
- Extended nursing break periods
Tip: Discuss return-to-work arrangements with your employer during your leave. Put any agreements in writing.
Paternity Leave: 5 Days for Fathers
The UAE recognizes the importance of fathers being present during the early days of their child's life.
Paternity Leave Entitlements
| Aspect | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Duration | 5 working days |
| Payment | Fully paid |
| Eligibility | All male employees |
| Timing | Within 6 months of child's birth |
| Usage | Continuous or intermittent |
Key Points
- Available to both UAE nationals and expatriates
- No minimum service requirement
- Applies to all births, including multiple births (twins, etc.)
- Can be combined with parental leave for up to 10 days total
Paternity Leave in Free Zones
DIFC:
- 5 working days paternity leave
- Must be taken within one month of birth
- Requires 12 months qualifying service for full entitlement
ADGM:
- 5 working days paternity leave
- Must be taken within two months of birth
- 12 months service required
Parental Leave: 5 Days for Both Parents
In a landmark move, the UAE became the first Arab country to introduce parental leave for private sector employees.
Parental Leave Entitlements
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Duration | 5 working days |
| Payment | Fully paid |
| Eligibility | Both mothers and fathers |
| Timing | From birth up to 6 months after |
| Usage | Continuous or intermittent |
How Parental Leave Differs from Maternity/Paternity Leave
| Leave Type | Who | Duration | When |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maternity | Mothers | 60 days | Around delivery |
| Paternity | Fathers | 5 days | Within 6 months of birth |
| Parental | Both parents | 5 days each | Within 6 months of birth |
Combined Leave for Parents
For mothers:
- 60 days maternity leave
- 5 days parental leave
- Total: 65 days (plus extensions if applicable)
For fathers:
- 5 days paternity leave
- 5 days parental leave
- Total: 10 days
Miscarriage and Stillbirth Provisions
UAE law provides compassionate protection for employees who experience pregnancy loss.
Eligibility for Maternity Leave After Loss
| Situation | Requirement | Entitlement |
|---|---|---|
| Miscarriage after 24 weeks (6 months) | Medical certificate | Full maternity leave (60 days) |
| Stillbirth | Medical certificate | Full maternity leave (60 days) |
| Newborn death | Medical certificate | Full maternity leave (60 days) |
What the Law Provides
If a female employee:
- Has been pregnant for at least six months (24 weeks), AND
- Experiences a stillbirth, or the newborn passes away
She is entitled to full maternity leave and pay—the same 60 days with 45 days full pay and 15 days half pay.
Additional Support
- Bereavement leave: May be granted separately from maternity leave
- Sick leave: Available if there are medical complications
- Extended unpaid leave: Possible with employer agreement
Important: These provisions recognize that physical and emotional recovery from pregnancy loss requires the same care as any birth. Employees should not feel pressured to return to work before they are ready.
Documentation Required
- Medical certificate from authorized healthcare facility
- Documentation confirming the pregnancy duration
- Hospital or clinic records as applicable
Adoption Leave
While UAE law does not have specific statutory adoption leave provisions, some considerations apply:
Current Situation
- No explicit adoption leave in Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021
- Parental leave (5 days) may apply to adoptive parents
- Many employers have internal policies for adoption leave
- Free zones (DIFC, ADGM) may have different provisions
Best Practices for Employers
- Consider offering adoption leave equivalent to maternity leave
- Include adoption leave provisions in employment contracts
- Apply parental leave provisions to adoptive parents
- Create clear internal policies for adoption situations
Employer Compliance Checklist
HR managers and employers must ensure full compliance with maternity leave regulations.
Before Maternity Leave
- Accept maternity leave applications up to 30 days before expected delivery
- Confirm leave dates and return-to-work date
- Calculate maternity pay accurately (45 days full, 15 days half)
- Ensure health insurance coverage continues during leave
- Document all arrangements in writing
- Plan for coverage of the employee's duties
During Maternity Leave
- Process maternity pay through WPS on regular payroll dates
- Maintain employee records and benefits
- Do not issue termination or non-renewal notices
- Keep employee informed of significant workplace changes
- Process any extended leave requests promptly
- Maintain confidentiality of medical information
After Maternity Leave
- Facilitate smooth return to same or equivalent position
- Implement agreed nursing break schedule
- Track nursing break period (6 months from delivery)
- Update payroll to reflect return to full duties
- Document any flexible work arrangements
- Monitor compliance with return-to-work rights
Record Keeping Requirements
Maintain records of:
- Maternity leave applications and approvals
- Expected and actual delivery dates
- Leave duration and extensions
- Pay calculations and WPS submissions
- Medical certificates for extensions
- Return-to-work dates
- Nursing break arrangements
How RadixHR Automates Maternity Leave Management
Managing maternity leave involves complex calculations, compliance requirements, and careful record-keeping. RadixHR streamlines the entire process.
Automatic Leave Tracking
RadixHR automatically manages maternity leave from application to return:
- Real-time tracking of maternity leave status
- Automatic calculation of leave dates and pay tiers
- Extension management for complications or special circumstances
- Calendar integration for coverage planning
- Alerts for upcoming returns to work
Simplified Request and Approval
- Employees submit maternity leave requests through the mobile app
- Medical certificate upload directly to the system
- Manager notifications and streamlined approvals
- Complete audit trail of all requests and decisions
- Automatic reminders for documentation requirements
Accurate Payroll Integration
- Automatic calculation of maternity pay (45 days full, 15 days half)
- Seamless WPS file generation with correct amounts
- Extended leave deduction processing
- Nursing break tracking post-return
- Reports for finance and compliance teams
Compliance Monitoring
- Track maternity leave against legal requirements
- Monitor nursing break entitlements (6-month countdown)
- Alert system for policy violations
- Generate reports for MOHRE audits
- Maintain complete documentation history
Nursing Break Management
- Automatic 6-month countdown from delivery date
- Schedule management for nursing breaks
- Integration with attendance tracking
- Reporting for compliance verification
Book a free demo to see how RadixHR simplifies maternity leave management →
Frequently Asked Questions
How many days of maternity leave am I entitled to in UAE?
Female employees in the UAE private sector are entitled to 60 days of maternity leave: 45 days at full pay followed by 15 days at half pay. This entitlement applies from day one of employment with no minimum service requirement. You can apply for maternity leave up to 30 days before your expected delivery date.
Do I need to complete a minimum service period to get maternity leave in UAE?
No. Under Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021, maternity leave is available to all female employees from their first day of employment. Unlike some other leave types, there is no probation or minimum service requirement for maternity leave eligibility.
Can I extend my maternity leave if I have complications?
Yes. If you have a pregnancy-related illness or childbirth complications and cannot return to work after your 60-day leave, you can take an additional 45 days of unpaid leave. This requires a medical certificate from an authorized healthcare facility. The extended leave can be taken continuously or intermittently.
What are nursing breaks and how long do they last?
After returning from maternity leave, you are entitled to one or two nursing breaks per day for breastfeeding your child. The total duration of these breaks cannot exceed one hour per day, and they are fully paid. This benefit continues for 6 months from the date of delivery.
Can my employer terminate me during pregnancy or maternity leave?
No. Under Article 30(8) of Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021, employers cannot terminate a female employee or issue a termination notice due to pregnancy or maternity leave. This protection extends throughout the pregnancy and the full maternity leave period.
What is paternity leave in UAE and who is eligible?
Paternity leave is 5 working days of paid leave available to fathers in the UAE private sector. It must be taken within 6 months of the child's birth and can be used continuously or intermittently. Both UAE nationals and expatriates are eligible.
What is parental leave and how is it different from maternity/paternity leave?
Parental leave is 5 working days of paid leave available to both mothers and fathers. It's separate from maternity and paternity leave. Parents can take this leave continuously or intermittently within 6 months of the child's birth. The UAE was the first Arab country to introduce parental leave for private sector employees.
Am I entitled to maternity leave if I have a miscarriage or stillbirth?
Yes. If you experience a stillbirth or miscarriage after the 24th week of pregnancy (6 months), you are entitled to full maternity leave and pay—60 days with the same payment structure. A medical certificate is required to support the leave application.
What if my baby is born with a disability or illness?
If your baby is born with a disability or serious health condition requiring constant care, you are entitled to an additional 30 days of fully paid leave after your standard maternity leave. This can be extended by another 30 days unpaid if needed, with a medical report from an authorized facility.
Does maternity leave affect my end-of-service gratuity?
No. Maternity leave counts as continuous service for gratuity calculation purposes. Paid maternity leave (both full pay and half pay periods) is included in your service period, so your gratuity entitlement is not affected.
Summary: UAE Maternity Leave Key Facts
| Aspect | Requirement | Legal Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Total maternity leave | 60 days | Article 30 |
| First 45 days | Full pay (100%) | Article 30 |
| Days 46-60 | Half pay (50%) | Article 30 |
| Eligibility | From day one—no minimum service | Article 30 |
| Application timing | Up to 30 days before delivery | Article 30 |
| Extended leave (complications) | 45 days unpaid | Article 30 |
| Baby with disability | 30 days full pay + 30 unpaid | Article 30 |
| Nursing breaks | 1 hour daily for 6 months | Article 30 |
| Termination protection | Cannot terminate during pregnancy/leave | Article 30(8) |
| Paternity leave | 5 working days paid | Article 32 |
| Parental leave | 5 working days paid (both parents) | Article 32 |
| Miscarriage/stillbirth (after 24 weeks) | Full maternity leave | Article 30 |
Sources and References
Primary Legislation
-
Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021 Regarding the Regulation of Employment Relationship
-
Cabinet Resolution No. 1 of 2022 - Executive Regulations
Government Resources
-
UAE Government Official Portal - Maternity Leave
-
UAE Government Official Portal - Parental Leave
-
Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE)
-
Gulf News - Miscarriage and Stillbirth Rights
Related Resources
- UAE Labor Law 2026: Complete Guide
- Sick Leave UAE 2026: Rights, Pay Structure & Rules
- UAE Gratuity Calculator Guide 2026
- UAE WPS Compliance Guide 2026
- UAE Public Holidays 2026
- Gratuity Calculator Tool
Last updated: February 26, 2026. This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For specific situations, consult with qualified legal professionals or contact MOHRE directly.
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