Kamal Ghorui
UAE authorities are moving to extend paid maternity leave for government sector employees to 95 days, following discussions in the Federal National Council (FNC) aimed at strengthening family-friendly workplace policies. The proposal was raised during a session reviewing the performance of the Ministry of Community Development, with lawmakers calling for longer leave, flexible work options and stronger protections for women. The move comes as part of wider social reforms focused on family stability and employee wellbeing. While the extension is expected to apply first to federal government entities, officials confirmed that no decision has yet been taken on the private sector. Any expansion beyond government roles would require amendments to the UAE Labour Law, which currently governs private-sector maternity leave.
UAE lawmakers plans longer maternity leave
In a recent session of the Federal National Council (FNC), UAE lawmakers called for a significant expansion of paid maternity leave beyond current entitlements, aiming to better support working women and families.Currently, under the UAE Labour Law, female employees are entitled to 60 days of maternity leave, with the first 45 days fully paid and the next 15 days at half pay, plus additional unpaid leave for medical needs.But lawmakers argue this falls behind evolving workplace needs and global standards. They proposed increasing paid maternity leave to 98 days, a change that would align more closely with modern expectations for work-life balance and family care.This proposal reflects wider trends in the UAE. For example, in Abu Dhabi, Emirati women in the private sector have already gained up to 90 days of paid maternity leave under a voluntary programme that supplements salary support during this period.Supporters say longer leave supports mother-child bonding, better health outcomes and gives women greater confidence to return to work after childbirth.
Working rules for families
Alongside leave extensions, lawmakers urged federal authorities to formalise flexible and remote work policies in both public and private sectors for key groups.These include:
- Mothers of children under 12
- Caregivers of elderly relatives
- Persons of determination (people with disabilities)
Parliament members want jobs to be officially classified by whether they are suitable for flexible or remote work, and for set timelines to approve such requests, especially for mothers returning from leave.Proponents argue flexible arrangements help women stay employed, reduce stress, and build more inclusive workplaces, particularly for families juggling childcare and elder care.
New domestic abuse laws
In the same discussion, lawmakers emphasised the importance of strengthening protections against domestic abuse.The UAE introduced Federal Law No. 13 of 2024 on Domestic Violence, replacing earlier legislation and broadening the scope of what constitutes abuse.Under the new law:
- Physical, psychological, sexual and financial abuse are clearly defined and punishable.
- Penalties can include fines up to Dh50,000 and imprisonment for offenders.
- Failure to report abuse can result in fines between Dh5,000–Dh10,000.
Lawmakers said these protections must be paired with better support systems for victims, including counselling, shelters and easier access to legal help, to make the law truly effective.The push for expanded maternity leave and stronger abuse protections reflects a broader focus on family stability, women’s rights and workplace fairness in the UAE’s evolving legal landscape.
Private sector eligibility
At this stage, the proposed extension of paid maternity leave to 95 days is focused on the government sector, as discussed by lawmakers during the Federal National Council session. The proposal is aimed at improving work-life balance for women employed in federal and government entities, where leave policies are set directly by the state.For the private sector, no official decision has been announced yet. Private-sector maternity leave continues to be governed by the UAE Labour Law, which currently provides 60 days of maternity leave 45 days with full pay and 15 days with half pay, with additional unpaid leave in specific medical cases.
The “why” behind
These discussions aren’t just about rules; they are about building a “future-ready” society. Lawmakers highlighted that when mothers feel supported by 90 days of paid leave, productivity actually rises because they return to work more focused and physically recovered. Similarly, a stronger domestic abuse law acts as a deterrent, keeping families intact and protecting the mental health of the next generation.By addressing these two issues simultaneously, the FNC is signaling that the UAE’s 2026 agenda is focused on human capital. Whether it’s the right to a safe home or the right to care for a new baby, the proposed changes aim to make the UAE one of the most family-friendly places to live and work globally.
