Who these rules apply to
The maternity leave rules below come from Article 30 of Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021 on the Regulation of Employment Relationships, which covers employees of private-sector employers in the UAE.
Employees in the DIFC and ADGM free zones are covered by their own employment laws, and federal and local government employees are covered by separate human resources laws. If you work in one of those, check the law that applies to your employer.
How much maternity leave is there in the UAE?
A female employee is entitled to 60 days of maternity leave: the first 45 days with full wage and the following 15 days with half wage (Article 30, clause 1).
| Leave | Length | Pay | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maternity leave | 45 days | Full wage | Art. 30(1)(a) |
| Maternity leave (continued) | 15 days | Half wage | Art. 30(1)(b) |
| Illness of mother or child resulting from pregnancy or childbirth | Up to 45 days, continuous or intermittent | Unpaid | Art. 30(2) |
| Child born sick or a child of determination needing a constant companion | 30 days | Full pay | Art. 30(4) |
| Extension of the leave above | 30 days | Unpaid | Art. 30(4) |
| Parental leave (father or mother) | 5 working days, within 6 months of the birth | Paid | Art. 32(1)(b) |
Article 30 does not set a minimum period of service for maternity leave.
When can maternity leave start?
The employer must grant maternity leave on the employee's request at any time from the last day of the month before the month in which she is expected to give birth, proven by a certificate from the medical entity (Article 30, clause 5).
Extra leave if the mother or child is ill
After maternity leave, the employee may be absent without pay for up to 45 days, continuous or intermittent, if she or her child is ill because of the pregnancy or childbirth and cannot return to work. The illness must be proven by a medical certificate (Article 30, clause 2).
This unpaid period is not counted in the service used to calculate end-of-service gratuity or pension contributions.
If the child is born sick or is a child of determination whose condition requires a constant companion, according to a medical report, the mother is entitled to 30 days with full pay after maternity leave ends, and may extend this by another 30 days without pay (Article 30, clause 4).
Stillbirth or loss of the baby
The full 60-day maternity leave applies if the delivery took place six months or more into the pregnancy, whether the baby was stillborn or was born alive and then died (Article 30, clause 3).
Nursing (breastfeeding) breaks
For up to six months from the date of delivery, after returning to work, the employee is entitled to one or two breaks a day to breastfeed her child, provided the two breaks together do not exceed one hour (Article 30, clause 9).
Can an employer dismiss a pregnant employee?
No. Article 30, clause 8 prohibits terminating a female employee's service, or giving her notice of termination, because of her pregnancy, her maternity leave or her absence under Article 30.
- Maternity leave does not reduce her right to other leave (clause 6).
- If she works for another employer during the leave, the original employer may withhold or recover the leave pay (clause 7).
- If an employer breaches these rules, the employee can file a complaint with the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE). See our guide to the UAE labour dispute process.
Parental leave for fathers and mothers
Either parent of a newborn is entitled to 5 working days of paid parental leave, which can be taken continuously or in parts within six months of the birth (Article 32, clause 1(b)).
How Husain Al Ali Advocates can help
We advise employees and employers on maternity rights, draft and review employment contracts and policies, and represent clients in MOHRE complaints and labour court cases. Call +971 4 451 0523 or message us on WhatsApp.
Source: Articles 30 and 32 of Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021, available on the UAE Legislation portal and from MOHRE.
This page is general information about UAE law, not legal advice.
Do not rely solely on the information available on the website; you should consult a lawyer to clarify many matters.
Related guides: UAE labour law, labour cases under UAE law, the labour dispute process.
Frequently asked questions
How many days of maternity leave are there in the UAE?
Sixty days for private-sector employees: 45 days on full pay and 15 days on half pay, under Article 30 of Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021.
Is maternity leave paid in the UAE?
Yes. The first 45 days are paid at full wage and the next 15 days at half wage.
When can I start my maternity leave?
From the last day of the month before the month in which you are expected to give birth, with a certificate from the medical entity.
Can I get more leave if I or my baby am ill after the birth?
Yes. You can take up to 45 more days without pay if the illness results from the pregnancy or birth and is proven by a medical certificate.
What if my baby is born sick or is a person of determination?
You are entitled to 30 days on full pay after maternity leave, which you can extend by 30 days without pay, based on a medical report.
Can my employer fire me because I am pregnant?
No. Article 30 prohibits terminating or giving notice to an employee because of pregnancy, maternity leave or absence under that article.
Do I get nursing breaks at work?
Yes. For six months from the birth, you are entitled to one or two breastfeeding breaks a day, totalling no more than one hour.
Do fathers get paid leave in the UAE?
Yes. Either parent gets 5 working days of paid parental leave, to be taken within six months of the birth.