Abu Dhabi Extends Maternity Leave to 90 Days for Certain Private Sector Employees

In a landmark move, Abu Dhabi has extended maternity leave for certain private sector employees to 90 days, aligning more closely with public sector benefits.

This extension reflects the emirate's commitment to supporting working mothers and promoting family-friendly policies.

After the female employee resumes, she is entitled to two hours of daily leave for the first year after delivery to nurse her child. Male employees are entitled to three days' paternity leave.

Previously, female employees in the private sector were entitled to 45 days of maternity leave. The new regulation doubles this period, offering full pay for the entire duration.

This change aims to provide better work-life balance and support for new mothers during the crucial postpartum period.

As per Article 19 of the Federal Decree Law No. 49 of 2022 on Human Resources Law in the Federal Government, a female employee in a permanent position is entitled to maternity leave of three months with full salary.

After that, for six months from the date of the employee resuming work, she is entitled to two hours of reduced working hours either at the beginning or at the end of the working hours, to nurse her child. Such breaks are fully paid for.

According to Article 20, she is also entitled to fully paid parental leave of five working days. The leave may be taken continuously or intermittently within six months from the date of the child’s birth.

This leave is also granted to male employees. Maternity leave may not be combined with leave without pay.

Key Provisions of the New Policy

Eligibility Criteria: Female employees must have completed at least one year of continuous service with their current employer to qualify for the extended maternity leave.

Leave Duration: The leave consists of 90 days, which includes fully paid days off, allowing new mothers ample time to recover and bond with their newborns.

Job Security: Employers are mandated to secure the employee’s position during her absence, ensuring that women can return to their previous roles without any detriment to their career progression.

Reactions from the Business Community

The response from the business community has been mixed, with many employers expressing support for the initiative while also voicing concerns about potential operational challenges.

Some companies are evaluating strategies to manage the extended absences, including hiring temporary staff or redistributing workloads among existing employees.

Impact on Employee Well-Being

Research indicates that longer maternity leave can significantly improve the health and well-being of both mothers and their children. The extended leave period allows mothers to establish breastfeeding routines, recover from childbirth, and better manage postpartum mental health.

Abu Dhabi Launches Emirati Family Growth Programme

In addition to the extension of maternity leave, Abu Dhabi has introduced the Emirati Family Growth Programme, aimed at supporting marriages and raising children. This comprehensive initiative focuses on various aspects of family life, providing resources and support to Emirati families to ensure their well-being and prosperity.

Key Components of the Programme

Marriage Support: The programme offers counselling services, financial assistance for wedding expenses, and educational workshops on building strong marital relationships.

Child-Rearing Resources: Parents will have access to parenting classes, childcare support, and educational materials to aid in raising well-rounded and healthy children.

Work-Life Balance: The initiative promotes flexible work arrangements and family-friendly policies within workplaces to help parents balance their professional and personal lives.

Government's Vision for a Stronger Society

The Emirati Family Growth Programme reflects the government's vision of fostering a strong, cohesive society by nurturing the family unit, which is considered the cornerstone of the community.

By providing extensive support for marriages and child-rearing, Abu Dhabi aims to create a nurturing environment where families can thrive.

Hessa Al Mansoori, Director of the Emirati Family Growth Programme, stated: "Our goal is to empower Emirati families with the tools and resources they need to build strong, happy, and healthy family units. This programme is a testament to our commitment to the well-being of our citizens.”

The new maternity leave policy and the Emirati Family Growth Programme are expected to set a precedent for other emirates and potentially influence broader labour and social reforms across the UAE.

As the country continues to evolve its laws and policies, the focus on work-life balance and family-friendly initiatives will likely remain a key priority.

Abu Dhabi’s recent initiatives mark significant advancements in labour rights and social support, reinforcing the emirate’s commitment to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment for its residents.