UAE strengthens maternity and parental leave entitlements under 2021 Labour Law

The United Arab Emirates’ Federal Decree‑Law No. 33 of 2021 grants private‑sector female employees 60 days of maternity leave – 45 days at full pay and the remaining 15 days at half pay. Workers may also take up to 45 additional unpaid days for pregnancy‑ or childbirth‑related medical conditions, and an extra 30 days of fully‑paid leave for children born with a medical condition or disability.

Employers must grant the leave upon the employee’s request, supported by a medical certificate, and may be reported to the Ministry of Human Resources & Emiratisation (MOHRE) for non‑compliance. Unresolved disputes can be escalated to the Dubai courts for compensation or remedial orders.

The law also provides a five‑day parental leave for fathers and other provisions for nursing breaks, extending workplace support for new parents across the UAE.