UAE Maternity Leave Entitlement:
45 days full pay + 15 days half pay
Total: 60 days paid leave
Total Leave Days
60
Total Pay
AED 26,250
Daily Wage
AED 500
Leave Timeline
What is the UAE maternity leave entitlement?
Under Federal Decree-Law No. 33/2021 (UAE Labour Law), female employees are entitled to 60 days of maternity leave: 45 days at full pay followed by 15 days at half pay. An additional 45 days of unpaid leave can be taken if needed, supported by a medical certificate.
Is paternity leave available in UAE?
Yes, the UAE Labour Law provides 5 working days of paid paternity leave. It must be taken within 6 months of the child's birth and can be taken consecutively or intermittently.
What about nursing breaks?
After returning from maternity leave, mothers are entitled to two paid nursing breaks per day (not exceeding 1 hour in total) for up to 6 months following the child's birth. The employer cannot reduce pay or terminate employment due to maternity-related absences.
Note: Some free zone and DIFC employers may offer enhanced maternity benefits. Check your employment contract for details.
Your rights to paid maternity leave under UAE Labour Law
How much maternity leave do I get in the UAE?
Under the 2022 UAE Labour Law, female employees are entitled to 60 calendar days of maternity leave. The first 45 days are at full pay and the remaining 15 days are at half pay. For example, if your monthly salary is AED 12,000, you would receive AED 12,000 for the first 45 days and AED 6,000 for the last 15 days.
Can I extend my maternity leave?
Yes. You can take an extra 45 calendar days of unpaid leave after the initial 60 days if you have a medical certificate or if your child has a disability. This gives a maximum of 105 days in total. Some employers offer more generous maternity packages, so check your employment contract.
Do I need to have worked for a certain time to qualify?
The UAE Labour Law does not set a minimum service period to qualify for maternity leave. You are entitled to it from day one of your employment. However, the half-pay portion and full-pay portion apply regardless of how long you have been with your employer.
What about paternity leave?
Under the 2022 Labour Law, fathers are entitled to 5 working days of paid paternity leave. This must be taken within 6 months of the child's birth. It applies to all employees in the private sector. Some companies in the UAE offer more generous paternity leave as part of their benefits package.
Can my employer dismiss me during maternity leave?
No. It is illegal for an employer to dismiss a female employee because she is pregnant or on maternity leave. If your employer does this, you can file a complaint with MOHRE (Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation). You are also protected from dismissal for up to 6 months after returning to work following maternity leave.
What nursing breaks am I entitled to after maternity leave?
After returning to work, you are allowed two daily nursing breaks of 30 minutes each for up to 6 months from the date of delivery. These breaks are paid and are in addition to your normal break times. Your employer cannot reduce your pay or deduct hours for these nursing breaks.
Does maternity leave affect my end-of-service gratuity?
Your maternity leave period counts as continuous service. It does not break your employment record and is included when calculating your end-of-service gratuity. For example, if you take 60 days of maternity leave during your third year of employment, your gratuity is still calculated on the full 3 years.
FTA-Aligned: Based on the 2022 UAE Federal Decree-Law No. 33 on Labour Relations. For personal advice, speak to a qualified HR or legal consultant.
Disclaimer: This calculator provides estimates based on current UAE Federal Tax Authority rates and MOHRE labour law provisions. It does not constitute professional tax, financial, or legal advice. Your actual entitlements may differ depending on your individual circumstances, employment contract, and applicable free zone regulations. Always consult a qualified adviser before making financial decisions. Read our terms