ABU DHABI, Jan 21, 2026— The United Arab Emirates is considering extending paid maternity leave for government employees to 95 days, following discussions in the Federal National Council (FNC) aimed at strengthening family-friendly workplace policies.
The proposal was raised during a session reviewing the Ministry of Community Development, with lawmakers calling for longer maternity leave, flexible work arrangements and stronger protections for women. The move forms part of broader social reforms focused on family stability and employee wellbeing.
At present, UAE labour law grants working mothers 60 days of maternity leave — 45 days with full pay and 15 days at half pay — with additional unpaid leave in certain medical cases. Lawmakers said this no longer reflects changing workplace realities and called for an expansion, at least within the government sector.
Officials said the proposed extension would initially apply to federal government employees. Any change for the private sector would require amendments to the UAE Labour Law, and no decision has yet been taken.
“I returned to work while still struggling with recovery and childcare,” said a government employee and mother of two, speaking on condition of anonymity. “An extended paid leave would give mothers the time they need to bond with their babies and return to work more focused and confident.”
During the same session, lawmakers also urged authorities to formalise flexible and remote work options, particularly for mothers of young children, caregivers of elderly relatives and people of determination. They called for clearer guidelines on which roles can be performed remotely and faster approval processes for such requests.
Lawmakers also highlighted the need to strengthen protections against domestic violence, citing the recently enacted Federal Law No. 13 of 2024, which broadens definitions of abuse and increases penalties. They stressed that enforcement should be supported by counselling services, shelters and access to legal assistance.
Supporters of the maternity leave proposal said longer paid leave improves maternal and child health outcomes and encourages women to remain in the workforce, reinforcing the UAE’s wider focus on human capital development and family wellbeing.
