New Maternity and Paternity Leave Rules for Abu Dhabi | ExpatWoman.com
 

New Maternity and Paternity Leave Rules for Abu Dhabi

A new law in Abu Dhabi rules that new mothers will receive up to 3 months maternity leave and 3 days paternity for new fathers.

Posted on

3 October 2016

Last updated on 2 January 2018
New Maternity and Paternity Leave Rules for Abu Dhabi

A new law issued by HH Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE and Ruler of Abu Dhabi has modified maternity leave for women living in the Capital, as well as introducing a short, albeit welcome, paternity leave for fathers. 

What does the new law do?
Now, Emirati women living in the Capital are granted with a three-month maternity leave, extended from the original 45 days, as well as the ability to leave two hours early for one year from the day of giving birth. Fathers working as government staff will also be granted a three-day paternity leave. 

New Maternity and Paternity Leave Rules for Abu D

 

Not only that, the new law on Human Resources in Abu Dhabi will also work to encourage the appointment of Emiratis in part-time jobs, giving annual bonuses to outstanding government employees in the emirate as well as obliging government bodies to appoint people with disabilities in jobs that are suitable for their health conditions. 

Who does the new rule affect?
The new law applies to all civilians who are working in government and ministerial offices in the emirate of Abu Dhabi, as announced by the Abu Dhabi Executive Council.

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I work in the private sector, will this affect me?
Unfortunately for those of you working in the private sector in the Capital, the changes have not been implemented and understandably, a lot of private sector workers have been left wandering whether there will be changes to their mandatory family leave. 


New maternity leave in Abu Dhabi
 

What are the rules for the private sector?
Currently, the Labour Law states that working women are entitlted to 45 days maternity leave with full pay, if they have been employed for more than one year. They will receive half-pay if the period of employment is less than one year. 

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After the 45 days are over, the employee is required to return to work. 

An employee may be granted leave without pay for up to 100 days if the absence from work is due to illness resulting from pregnancy or delivery, and is evidenced by a medical certificate.