Quick Answer
UAE maternity leave is 60 calendar days under Article 30 of Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021 — 45 days at full basic salary, then 15 days at half basic salary. Paternity leave is 5 working days within 6 months of birth. Nursing mothers receive two daily 30-minute paid breaks for 6 months post-delivery. Terminating an employee during maternity leave is prohibited.
Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021 · Article 30 · Article 31
Maternity Leave Structure — Article 30
| Leave Period | Duration | Pay Rate | Article |
|---|---|---|---|
| First period | 45 calendar days | Full basic salary | Article 30 |
| Second period | 15 calendar days | Half basic salary | Article 30 |
| Total maternity leave | 60 calendar days | As above | Article 30 |
| Pre-delivery start option | Up to 30 days before expected delivery — counts toward 60 days | As above | Article 30 |
Employer Cost of Maternity Leave — Three Salary Levels
Employee on AED 15,000 Monthly Basic Salary
Employee on AED 20,000 Monthly Basic Salary
Employee on AED 30,000 Monthly Basic Salary
Paternity, Nursing, and Special Leave
| Entitlement | Duration | Pay | Timing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paternity leave | 5 working days | Full basic salary | Within 6 months of birth |
| Nursing breaks | 2 × 30 minutes per day | Paid — counts as working time | For 6 months post-delivery |
| Combined nursing break option | One 60-minute daily break by agreement | Paid | For 6 months post-delivery |
Termination Prohibition: Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021 prohibits terminating an employee during maternity leave. An employer who dismisses during the 60-day maternity period faces MoHRE complaints, reinstatement orders, and compensation liability.
Mainland vs DIFC Maternity Leave Comparison
| Factor | Mainland UAE (Article 30) | DIFC (Employment Law No. 2 of 2019) |
|---|---|---|
| Maternity leave duration | 60 calendar days | As per DIFC Employment Law |
| Maternity pay split | 45 days full + 15 days half | As per DIFC law |
| Paternity leave | 5 working days within 6 months of birth | As per DIFC law |
| Termination protection | Prohibited during maternity leave | As per DIFC law |
| Nursing breaks | 2 × 30 minutes for 6 months post-delivery | As per DIFC law |
Cover Maternity Leave Gaps With RFS Contract Staffing
RFS HR Consultancy places contract and temporary staff across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah. We deliver shortlists within 48 to 72 hours. Our contract staffing model covers maternity leave periods without a permanent offer requirement.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many days of maternity leave do UAE employees get in 2025?
60 calendar days under Article 30 of Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021. The first 45 days are paid at full basic salary and the next 15 days at half basic salary. This is a statutory minimum that no employment contract may reduce.
How many days of paternity leave is a UAE father entitled to?
5 working days at full basic salary within 6 months of the child’s birth, under Article 30 of Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021.
Can a UAE employer terminate an employee during maternity leave?
No. Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021 prohibits termination during maternity leave. An employer who dismisses during the 60-day period faces MoHRE complaints, reinstatement orders, and compensation liability.