Maternity leave in the UAE: what you are entitled to

Q: How much maternity leave do I get in the UAE?

Private sector employees are entitled to 45 days of fully paid maternity leave under Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021, provided they have worked for their employer for at least one year. If you have worked for less than a year, the leave is paid at half pay. If you have worked for less than 45 days, the leave is unpaid. Emirati women working in the private sector receive 90 days total: the first 45 at full pay and the next 45 at 50% pay. Federal government employees who are UAE nationals receive 90 days at full pay.

Q: Can my employer fire me while I am on maternity leave in the UAE?

No. UAE law prohibits employers from terminating an employee's contract during maternity leave. This protection applies to all nationalities working in the private sector under Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021.

Q: Do I qualify for maternity leave if I have not worked for a year?

Yes, you still qualify, but the pay rate differs. If you have worked for your employer for less than one year, you are entitled to 45 days at half pay. If you have worked for less than 45 days with that employer, the leave is unpaid. The entitlement to leave itself is not conditional on length of service.

Q: What breastfeeding rights do I have at work in the UAE?

UAE law gives breastfeeding mothers the right to two paid breaks of 30 minutes each per day for the first six months after the birth. These breaks are on top of your regular rest breaks and cannot be deducted from your pay.

Q: Does UAE maternity leave apply to expats?

Yes. Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021 applies to all employees in the UAE private sector regardless of nationality. If you are an expat working in the private sector, you are covered. Note that employees in special financial zones such as DIFC and ADGM are governed by those zones' own employment regulations, which may differ.

Wellbeing · Work · Reviewed 24 June 2026 · All articles

Navigating maternity leave as a pregnant woman in the UAE, whether you are an expat or a UAE national, can feel complicated. The law has changed significantly in recent years, and many people are still working from outdated information. This article sets out exactly what you are entitled to under the current rules, so you can plan your leave with confidence.

The legal framework

Maternity leave in the UAE private sector is governed by Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021 on the Regulation of Employment Relationships, which came into effect in February 2022. This law replaced the old Labour Law and updated several provisions around parental leave. If you work in the public sector as a UAE national, separate rules apply through Cabinet Resolutions governing federal employees. Employees in special financial zones such as DIFC (Dubai International Financial Centre) and ADGM (Abu Dhabi Global Market) are governed by those zones' own independent employment frameworks, which may differ from the federal law described here.

Private sector maternity leave: the basics

How many days do you get?

Under the federal law, private sector employees are entitled to 45 days of maternity leave. The pay level depends on how long you have been with your employer:

1 year or more of continuous service: 45 days at full pay.
Less than 1 year of service: 45 days at half pay.
Less than 45 days of service: 45 days unpaid.

UAE national women working in the private sector receive a more generous entitlement: 90 days in total, with the first 45 days at full pay and the next 45 days at 50% pay.

When can leave start?

You can choose to start your maternity leave up to 30 days before your due date. This is entirely at your discretion. If your baby arrives before the planned start date, your leave begins from the day of birth.

Can you take additional unpaid leave?

Yes. After your 45-day entitlement, you can request up to 100 additional days of unpaid leave if your doctor certifies that it is necessary for health reasons. This extension is not automatic; you need to apply for it and provide medical documentation. The 100 days is a maximum, and it is separate from any sick leave entitlement under your contract.

Job protection during maternity leave

UAE law is clear on this: your employer cannot terminate your employment during maternity leave. This protection applies to all nationalities employed in the private sector. If your employer attempts to dismiss you while you are on maternity leave, you have the right to challenge that decision. You may want to seek advice from the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) if this happens to you.

Federal government employees

UAE national women employed by the federal government are entitled to 90 days of fully paid maternity leave under Cabinet Resolution provisions. The exact entitlement can vary by entity, and some government bodies offer additional flexibility for nursing mothers, so it is worth checking the specific policy of your employer.

Breastfeeding breaks at work

The law gives breastfeeding mothers the right to two paid breaks of 30 minutes each per working day for the first six months after the birth. These breaks are in addition to your regular breaks and cannot be deducted from your salary. In practice, some employers allow the two breaks to be combined into one 60-minute break, depending on your role and working arrangement. It is worth discussing this with your employer before you return from leave.

Does UAE maternity leave cover expats?

Yes. Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021 covers all employees in the UAE private sector, regardless of nationality. Whether you are Indian, Pakistani, British, Egyptian, Filipino or from any other country, you are entitled to the same 45-day maternity leave as any other employee working under the federal labour law. Your immigration status does not affect your maternity leave entitlement.

The one important exception is employees working in DIFC or ADGM, which operate under their own employment regulations. If you are not sure which framework applies to you, check your employment contract or ask your HR department.

Practical tips for planning your leave

Tell your employer early. There is no legally specified deadline for notifying your employer in the UAE, but giving as much notice as possible helps both you and your team plan ahead.
Check your contract. Some employers, particularly in banking and professional services, offer enhanced maternity leave above the statutory minimum. Review your employment contract and staff handbook, or ask HR directly.
Document everything. Keep copies of any correspondence about your maternity leave, your expected return date, and any agreements about breastfeeding breaks or flexible working on your return.
Understand your visa situation. If your residency visa is sponsored by your employer, it remains valid during maternity leave. Talk to your HR team if you have any concerns about your visa status.

Frequently asked questions

How much maternity leave do I get in the UAE?

Private sector employees get 45 days. If you have worked for your employer for a year or more, those 45 days are fully paid. If you have worked for less than a year, they are paid at half pay. If you have been employed for fewer than 45 days, the leave is unpaid. UAE national women in the private sector receive 90 days in total (first 45 at full pay, next 45 at 50% pay). Female UAE nationals in the federal government also receive 90 days at full pay.

Can my employer fire me while I am on maternity leave in the UAE?

No. UAE law explicitly prohibits terminating an employee's contract during maternity leave. This applies to all nationalities in the private sector under Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021. If you are dismissed while on leave, you can report this to the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation.

Do I qualify for maternity leave if I have not worked for a year?

Yes, you still get the 45-day entitlement, but the pay rate is lower. Less than one year of service means half pay. Less than 45 days of service means unpaid leave. The leave itself is not conditional on length of service.

What breastfeeding rights do I have at work in the UAE?

You are entitled to two paid breaks of 30 minutes each per working day during the first six months after the birth. These are on top of your regular breaks and must be paid in full. Many employers allow them to be combined into a single 60-minute break.

Does UAE maternity leave apply to expats?

Yes. The federal labour law covers all private sector employees regardless of nationality. Employees in DIFC and ADGM are an exception, as those zones have their own employment frameworks. If you are unsure which applies to you, check your employment contract.

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