How to Take Maternity and Parental Leave in the UAE (Labour Law)
In the private sector in the UAE, maternity leave is 60 days. The first 45 days are fully paid. The last 15 days are half-paid. You can apply up to 30 days before your expected delivery date. You can get extra unpaid leave if you are ill because of the pregnancy or the childbirth. You can get extra paid leave if your baby is sick or has a disability. Parental leave is 5 paid working days, for both parents. These figures are for the private sector, under Federal Decree-Law 33/2021. The rules for the government sector are different.
At a glance
- Cost:
- Free (paid leave entitlements)
- Total time:
- Maternity: 60 days; parental: 5 working days
- Steps:
- 7 steps
- Where to apply:
- u.ae
Last reviewed October 2026 against official sources. Re-checked every 6 months · next review due April 2027.
The Steps
Follow these in order
Each card shows the phase, expected time, and any cost. Data checked against official UAE sources(October 2026).
0 of 7 steps
- Before You Go Self-check
Confirm your entitlement
These rules cover private-sector employees under Federal Decree-Law 33/2021 (u.ae, Art. 30 / Art. 32). The u.ae leaves page does not state a minimum service period. Check with your employer if you qualify. The maternity rules for the federal government and for Dubai Government are separate. Do not mix them into a private-sector claim.
Click to mark as done
- Submit & Pay Up to 30 days before delivery
Apply
You can apply for maternity leave up to 30 days before your expected delivery date. Check your employer's notice procedure in your contract or HR policy. For example, you may need to give written notice or a medical certificate. The u.ae page does not publish any other notice rules.
Click to mark as done
- Wait 60 days
Take maternity leave
You get 60 days in total. 45 days are fully paid. 15 days are half-paid.
Click to mark as done
- Follow Up Up to 45 extra days (unpaid)
Illness extension
You can get 45 extra days, unpaid, if you are ill because of the pregnancy or childbirth and you cannot go back to work. You must prove the illness with a medical certificate from the right medical authority. The days can be taken all together, or at different times.
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- Follow Up Up to 30 + 30 extra days
Baby illness / disability extension
If your baby is sick or has a disability, you can get 30 more days, fully paid. You can extend this by 30 more days, unpaid. You must prove the illness or disability with a medical certificate from the right medical authority.
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- Follow Up 6 months after delivery
Nursing breaks
After you go back to work, you get one or two extra breaks each day. Together, the breaks are not more than 1 hour. This lasts for 6 months after the delivery. The breaks are fully paid.
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- Receive 5 working days
Parental leave
You get 5 working days of paid leave. You can take it from the day your child is born, up to 6 months after. Both the mother and the father can take it.
Click to mark as done
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Who pays maternity and parental leave?
The u.ae leaves page does not state who pays for the leave. Check how it is handled on your payroll with your employer.
What about stillbirth or miscarriage?
The u.ae private-sector leaves page does not state the rules for stillbirth or miscarriage. Check the position with your employer. Or read the official text of Federal Decree-Law 33/2021, Art. 30.
Does maternity leave apply during probation?
The u.ae page does not state the rules for probation or for a minimum service period. Do not assume there is a minimum service period. Check with your employer.
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