A woman working in the UAE private sector is entitled to 60 days of maternity leave: 45 days on full pay and 15 days on half pay (Article 30 of Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021). Either parent also gets 5 working days of paid parental leave within six months of the birth (Article 32). An employer may not dismiss a worker, or give her notice, because she is pregnant or on maternity leave. Complaints go to the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE).
Who this guide is for
This guide is for expectant and new parents working for private-sector companies on the UAE mainland. It follows Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021 on the Regulation of Labour Relations (the Labour Law) and Cabinet Resolution No. 1 of 2022.
Different rules apply in the DIFC and ADGM (see the table below), to federal and local government employees, and to domestic workers under Federal Decree-Law No. 9 of 2022.
Maternity leave at a glance
| Right | What the Labour Law says |
|---|---|
| Length and pay | 60 days: the first 45 days on full wage, the next 15 days on half wage (Article 30(1)) |
| When it can start | At the worker's request, at any time from the last day of the month before the expected month of birth, with a certificate from a medical authority (Article 30(5)). The UAE Government portal summarises this as up to 30 days before the expected delivery date |
| Stillbirth or loss of the baby | Full maternity leave applies if the birth happens after six months or more of pregnancy, whether the baby is stillborn or dies after birth (Article 30(3)) |
| Illness after the birth | Up to 45 more days off without pay, continuous or broken, if an illness of the mother or baby caused by the pregnancy or birth stops her returning. A medical certificate is needed. These days do not count towards gratuity (Article 30(2)) |
| Sick or disabled baby | 30 days on full wage after maternity leave, if a medical report says the child needs constant care, with a right to extend by 30 days without pay (Article 30(4)) |
| Nursing breaks | One or two daily breaks to nurse the child, totalling no more than one hour, for up to six months from the birth (Article 30(9)) |
| Other leave | Maternity leave does not affect the right to other leave, such as annual leave (Article 30(6)) |
Article 30 does not set a minimum period of service before maternity leave applies. If your employer says you do not qualify, ask them to put the reason in writing and check it with MoHRE.
One warning: if a worker works for another employer during her maternity leave, the original employer may withhold her pay for the leave or recover what it paid (Article 30(7)).
What is parental leave?
Under Article 32(1)(b), a worker who has a baby, whether the father or the mother, is entitled to 5 working days of paid parental leave to care for the child. It can be taken in one block or on separate days within six months of the birth.
Cabinet Resolution No. 1 of 2022 (Article 21) adds that:
- the worker must show proof of the child's birth;
- parental leave can be combined with bereavement leave, annual leave and unpaid leave.
For a mother, parental leave is a separate right from maternity leave.
Can I be dismissed for being pregnant?
No. Article 30(8) says an employer may not end a worker's service, or give her notice, because of pregnancy, because she took maternity leave, or because she took the extra leave for illness described above.
The Labour Law also bans discrimination based on sex that weakens equal opportunity in getting or keeping a job (Article 4(1)). Women must receive the same wage as men for the same work or work of equal value (Article 4(4)).
If you are dismissed soon after announcing a pregnancy or returning from leave, keep every message and document. Dismissal after a serious complaint to MoHRE or a valid lawsuit may also lead to compensation of up to three months' wage under Article 47. Our guide on wrongful termination explains the evidence to gather.
Private sector, DIFC and ADGM compared
Figures are as of September 2026.
| Where you work | Maternity leave | Paternity or parental leave |
|---|---|---|
| Private sector, mainland (Labour Law) | 60 days: 45 full pay, 15 half pay | 5 working days for either parent, within 6 months |
| DIFC (DIFC Law No. 2 of 2019, Articles 37 to 39) | Up to 65 work days. Pay of 33 days at full daily wage and 32 at half, if she has 12 months' continuous service and gives the required notices | Up to 5 work days for fathers with 12 months' service, taken within one month of the birth |
| ADGM (Employment Regulations 2024, as explained in ADGM guidance) | 65 working days. Pay of 33 days at full and 32 at half requires 12 months' continuous employment | At least 5 working days, taken within 2 months of the birth |
| Federal or local government | Separate rules apply; check with your employer's HR | Separate rules apply; check |
For the DIFC claim route, see our DIFC employment claim guide.
Step by step
- Read your contract and policy. Your employer may give more than the legal minimum (Article 65).
- Get a medical certificate. Ask your doctor for a certificate with the expected date of birth.
- Tell your employer in writing. Give the planned start date for your leave and attach the certificate.
- Ask for written confirmation. Request the leave dates and pay in an email or letter.
- Plan parental leave. Both parents can check the six-month window and send proof of birth.
- Check your pay. Compare payslips with the 45 full-pay and 15 half-pay days.
- Arrange nursing breaks. Agree the timing with your manager when you return.
- Act quickly on problems. MoHRE's advisory line is 80084. MoHRE guidance and Ministerial Resolution No. 782 of 2023 refer to filing a complaint within 30 days of the breach, through the MoHRE app, website or 600590000. Use the legal deadline organiser to track the date.
Documents checklist
- Employment contract and any leave or family policy
- Medical certificate with the expected or actual date of birth
- Your leave request and the employer's reply
- Birth certificate or other proof of birth
- Medical reports for any extra leave for illness or a sick child
- Payslips and bank statements for the leave months
- Any warning, notice or termination letter, with the date received
Common mistakes
- Only telling a manager verbally. Put leave requests in writing so the dates are clear.
- Mixing up leave types. Maternity leave, the extra unpaid leave for illness and the sick child leave each have their own conditions.
- Assuming DIFC or ADGM rules apply. The rules depend on where your employer is registered.
- Working elsewhere during leave. This can cost you your maternity pay under Article 30(7).
- Waiting too long to complain. The 30-day MoHRE window can pass quickly while caring for a newborn.
When to speak to a licensed lawyer
Speak to a lawyer if you were dismissed or given notice during pregnancy or leave, if your employer refuses leave or pay, or if you work in the DIFC or ADGM. Our guide on where to complain explains the different routes. The free case check can help you set out the facts first, and CaseDaleel can introduce an independent licensed professional only if you choose.
Frequently asked questions
Is maternity leave in the UAE private sector 60 or 90 days?
Under the Labour Law it is 60 days, 45 on full pay and 15 on half pay, and other rules apply in government, the DIFC and ADGM.
Is there a minimum service period for maternity leave?
Article 30 of the Labour Law does not set one for mainland private-sector workers, although the DIFC and ADGM tie maternity pay to 12 months' service.
Do fathers get paternity leave?
Yes, either parent gets 5 working days of paid parental leave within six months of the birth under Article 32.
Can I take extra leave if I am unwell after the birth?
Yes, up to 45 unpaid days if a medical certificate shows an illness from the pregnancy or birth prevents your return.
How long do nursing breaks last?
One or two breaks a day, totalling no more than one hour, for up to six months from the birth.
Can my employer end my contract while I am pregnant?
Not because of the pregnancy or maternity leave, which Article 30(8) prohibits.
Does maternity leave reduce my annual leave?
No, Article 30(6) says maternity leave does not affect the right to other types of leave.
Official sources
- UAE Legislation — Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021 on the Regulation of Labour Relations (Arabic)
- UAE Legislation — Cabinet Resolution No. 1 of 2022, Executive Regulation of the Labour Law (Arabic)
- UAE Government portal — Types of leaves in the private sector
- DIFC — Employment Law, DIFC Law No. 2 of 2019
- ADGM Employment Affairs Office — Guidance on the ADGM Employment Regulations 2024 (PDF)
General information, not legal advice. CaseDaleel is not a law firm.