Paternity leave in the UAE: rights for new fathers
The UAE introduced paid paternity leave for private sector employees in 2022 as part of a significant update to the federal labour law. If you are a new father working in the UAE, this article explains what you are entitled to, when you can take your leave, and what to do if you work in a free zone or the government sector.
The legal framework
Paternity leave for private sector employees in the UAE is governed by Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021 on the Regulation of Employment Relationships, which came into effect in February 2022. Before this law, paid paternity leave was not a universal right for private sector workers in the UAE. Its introduction was a meaningful change for the many expat fathers working here.
Federal government employees fall under a separate framework through Cabinet Resolution. Employees working 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 rules.
Private sector: your entitlement
How many days?
As a private sector employee, you are entitled to 5 working days of paid paternity leave. This applies regardless of your nationality and regardless of how long you have worked for your employer. There is no minimum service requirement for paternity leave under the federal law.
When can you take it?
You can take your 5 days at any point within 6 months of your child's birth. You do not have to take them immediately after the delivery if that does not work for your family. Some fathers prefer to take a couple of days around the birth and save the rest for when the mother returns to work or when relatives leave. The flexibility is there for you to use.
Is it fully paid?
Yes. Your paternity leave must be paid at your normal rate of pay. It is a statutory entitlement, not a discretionary benefit, so your employer cannot ask you to take it unpaid or deduct it from your annual leave balance.
Federal government employees
UAE national men working in federal government are entitled to 3 days of paternity leave under the Cabinet Resolution governing public sector employees. Some government entities have adopted more generous policies, so the actual entitlement at your specific employer may be higher. Check your entity's HR policies for the exact details.
Non-national federal government employees' leave entitlements depend on the terms of their employment contract and the specific entity's policies, which can vary.
Free zone employees
The UAE has dozens of free zones, and most of them apply the federal Labour Law to their employees. If your free zone follows the federal law, you are entitled to the same 5 working days of paid paternity leave as any other private sector employee.
The main exceptions are DIFC and ADGM, which operate under their own employment courts and regulations. If you work in either of these zones, check your employment contract or the relevant zone's employment regulations to understand what paternity leave you are entitled to. DIFC, for example, has its own Employment Law that sets out separate entitlements.
Is there shared parental leave in the UAE?
No. There is currently no shared parental leave equivalent in UAE law. Maternity leave and paternity leave are separate entitlements that belong to the mother and the father respectively. They cannot be transferred, pooled, or used interchangeably. If your partner does not use all of her maternity leave, the unused days cannot be passed to you.
What if your employer refuses?
Paternity leave under Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021 is a legal right, not a favour. If your employer refuses to grant your 5 days or deducts them from your annual leave without your consent, you can raise a complaint with the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE). In most cases, a straightforward conversation with HR and a reference to the law resolves the matter quickly.
Practical tips
- Give your employer advance notice. While the law does not specify how far in advance you need to notify your employer, letting HR know your approximate dates before the birth is courteous and helps with workload planning.
- Check your contract for enhanced leave. Some employers, particularly multinational companies, offer more than the statutory 5 days. Your employment contract or staff handbook should set this out.
- Keep a record. Note the dates you take your leave and confirm them in writing with your employer, even if just by email. This protects you if any question arises later.
Frequently asked questions
How many days paternity leave am I entitled to in the UAE?
Private sector employees get 5 working days of paid paternity leave. Federal government employees get 3 days, though some entities offer more. Emirati men may have additional entitlements under MoHRE guidance. Employees in DIFC and ADGM should check those zones' employment rules, which are separate from the federal law.
When can I take paternity leave in the UAE?
Any time within 6 months of your child's birth. You do not have to use the days consecutively or immediately after delivery, giving you flexibility to take them when your family needs the support most.
Does the UAE have shared parental leave?
No. UAE law does not currently have a shared parental leave scheme. Maternity leave and paternity leave are separate entitlements and cannot be transferred between parents.
What if I work in a free zone? Do I still get paternity leave?
Most UAE free zones apply the federal Labour Law, so yes. The exception is DIFC and ADGM, which have their own employment regulations. Check your employment contract or ask your HR team if you are unsure which framework applies to you.
Can my employer refuse my paternity leave?
No. Paternity leave is a statutory right under the federal law, not a discretionary benefit. If your employer refuses, you can raise a complaint with the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE).