Maternity Leave Entitlements: Who Qualifies and What You Get
Learn about maternity leave entitlements in the UAE, including how many days you receive and how your pay is structured during your time off.
This scheme provides paid time off for female employees to care for themselves and their newborns.
Who it's for
This entitlement is available to all female employees. It is a standard benefit designed to support women in the workforce during the period of childbirth and the early stages of motherhood.
What you get
You are entitled to a total of 60 days of maternity leave. This period is structured into two distinct phases of pay: you will receive full pay for the first 45 days of your leave, and you will receive half pay for the remaining 15 days. This ensures you have financial support during your recovery and the initial time spent with your child.
What it costs you
There is no monetary fee required to access this benefit. However, you must provide a medical certificate from a healthcare provider to your employer. This document serves as the official proof required to validate your leave request and ensure your pay is processed correctly.
The catch to know
A common question is whether taking this time off will reduce your vacation time. You should know that your maternity leave does not affect your annual leave entitlement. Your yearly balance of vacation days remains separate from these maternity leave days.
How to apply
- Obtain a formal medical certificate from your healthcare provider regarding your pregnancy and expected leave.
- Present this medical certificate to your employer or your company's HR department.
- Follow your company's internal procedures to officially log your 60 days of leave.
- Confirm with your employer how the 45 days of full pay and 15 days of half pay will be applied to your upcoming payroll.