Article 30 of Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021 sets maternity leave for women in the UAE private sector. There is no minimum service needed.
How much leave
- 60 days in total.
- The first 45 days at full pay.
- The next 15 days at half pay.
- You can start the leave up to 30 days before the expected date of birth.
Example: a salary of AED 9,000 is AED 300 a day. 45 days × AED 300 = AED 13,500, plus 15 days × AED 150 = AED 2,250. Total maternity pay: AED 15,750.
Extra leave
- If the baby is born with a disability or an illness that needs constant care, the mother can take a further 30 days at full pay, which can be extended by 30 days without pay, with a medical certificate.
- If the mother is ill after the birth and cannot return to work, she can take further unpaid leave supported by a medical certificate.
- Maternity leave also applies if the baby is stillborn or dies after birth.
After you return
For six months after the birth, a mother can take nursing breaks of up to one hour a day, and these count as paid working time. An employer cannot end a woman's job because she is pregnant or on maternity leave.
Fathers and parental leave
Either parent is entitled to five working days of paid parental leave, to be taken within six months of the birth.
Does maternity leave affect gratuity or annual leave?
No. Paid maternity leave counts as service for gratuity, and it does not come out of your annual leave. Unpaid extensions may not count as service. Check your figures with the UAE gratuity calculator and the UAE annual leave calculator.
For other kinds of leave, see the UAE sick leave rules and the UAE leave salary guide.
Sources
- Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021 on the Regulation of Labour Relations
- Cabinet Resolution No. 1 of 2022 (Executive Regulations)
- Federal Decree-Law No. 9 of 2024 (amendments, in force 31 August 2024)
- Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE)
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