Maternity leave is the paid time off a UAE employee takes around the birth of a child. It runs for 60 days. The first 45 days are on full pay. The next 15 days are on half pay. It applies from the first day of work, so there is no qualifying period.
Article 30 of Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021 sets the entitlement. The mother can take further unpaid days for medical reasons backed by a certificate.
If the child is born ill or with a disability, she gets an extra 30 days on full pay, with the option to extend. Fathers are entitled to five days of paid parental leave.
Plan cover early. Protect the role and confirm the return date in writing.
A supportive maternity experience is one of the strongest retention signals you can send. Build it into your talent strategy, not just your policy.
Last updated: July 2026 | Reviewed by Tuscan Consulting, Dubai