In a move to empower working Emirati women, the General Pension and Social Security Authority (GPSSA) has introduced new benefits under Federal Law (57) of 2023, offering special leave rights for mothers wishing to take time off to care for their children. Under this initiative, Emirati mothers can take up to three years of leave while maintaining their pension contributions, ensuring continued access to a substantial end-of-service benefit.

The UAE government has emphasized its commitment to supporting and empowering women across various sectors, including legislation, education, and politics. This new pension law reflects the country's belief in the important role women play in strengthening national development.

The provisions within the law are designed to accommodate the traditional expectations of a working Emirati woman in serving society. The law also includes special benefits for female breadwinners, particularly those who have lost their husbands. Widows, for example, are granted the option to merge their pension with that of their deceased husband, ensuring financial security for them and their families.

Furthermore, the law revises pension distributions among family members, giving widows increased entitlement shares. Widows with children are entitled to 40% of the pension share, while children receive 40%, with parents entitled to 20%. This change increases the widow's share at the expense of the children's, reflecting her role in supporting them after the loss of the primary breadwinner.

For married, divorced, or widowed women with children, the law reduces the required contribution age and duration for pension payments. For each additional child beyond the fourth, the contribution period is reduced by up to three years, making it easier for women with large families to meet pension requirements.

Additionally, the law offers an even playing field in pension benefits. Women are allowed to purchase up to 10 years of service, whereas men can only purchase five. If a daughter or sister of a pensioner becomes widowed or divorced and does not have alternative income, they are entitled to a share equal to the pension amount due at the time.

Unlike traditional inheritance laws, the UAE’s pension law ensures equal distribution of pension payments between sons and daughters, recognizing the importance of financial security for both genders. This initiative highlights the country's ongoing efforts to elevate the financial and social status of women, acknowledging their crucial roles in both the family and the workforce.

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