Mohre Maternity Leave In UAE 2026: A Complete Guide To Days, Eligibility, Private & Government Sector, Expats And How To Apply”
Mohre Maternity Leave. Maternity leave in the UAE is a legal right given to working women under UAE Labour Law and MOHRE rules. Still, many female employees, especially in the private sector and expats, remain confused about how many days of maternity leave they can take, whether it is paid or unpaid, and what protection the law provides. Under current MOHRE guidelines, private sector employees are entitled to 60 days of maternity leave, while government employees can receive up to 90 days or more depending on the emirate.
These rules apply to both UAE nationals and expatriates, even if maternity leave is not mentioned in the employment contract. The law also protects women from termination, allows paid breastfeeding breaks and provides extra leave in medical cases, ensuring strong support for working mothers in the UAE.
What Is Maternity Leave in UAE?
Maternity leave in UAE is a legal right given to female employees when they give birth. It allows working women to take time off before and after delivery while protecting their job and income.
The UAE government has strengthened maternity laws to support working mothers and promote work-life balance.
Maternity leave rules are mainly covered under:
- MOHRE (Private Sector)
- Federal Government
- Local Governments (Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, etc.)
MOHRE Maternity Leave, Private Sector
The MOHRE maternity leave private sector rules are defined under UAE Labour Law, Federal Decree Law No. 33 of 2021, Article 30.
How Many Days Maternity Leave in UAE for Private Sector?
Female employees in the private sector are entitled to 60 days maternity leave, divided as:
| Period | Payment |
|---|---|
| First 45 days | Full salary |
| Next 15 days | Half salary |
Important: “Full salary” means basic salary + allowances, not just basic pay.
Can Maternity Leave Start Before Delivery?
Yes. A woman can start her maternity leave up to 30 days before the expected delivery date, based on a medical certificate.
This gives flexibility to mothers who need rest before childbirth.
Additional Leave After Maternity Leave (Private Sector)
45 Days Unpaid Leave (Medical Reasons)
After completing the 60 days maternity leave, a woman can take additional 45 days unpaid leave if:
- She or the baby has medical complications
- A valid medical certificate is provided
These days can be continuous or intermittent.
Extra Leave for Sick or Disabled Baby
If the baby is sick or has a disability:
- 30 days fully paid leave
- Can be extended for another 30 days unpaid
This leave starts after maternity leave ends and requires medical proof.
Breastfeeding Breaks After Returning to Work
After returning from maternity leave, a woman has the right to:
- 1 or 2 breastfeeding breaks per day
- Total break time must not exceed 1 hour
- Valid for 6 months from delivery
- Fully paid
These breaks are part of working hours and cannot be deducted from salary.
Can an Employer Fire a Woman During Maternity Leave?
No. Absolutely not.
UAE Labour Law strictly prohibits:
- Termination due to pregnancy
- Termination because of maternity leave
- Issuing notice during maternity leave
If this happens, it is considered unfair termination, and the employee can claim compensation through MOHRE.
Can an Employer Deny Maternity Leave If It Is Not in the Contract?
This is a very common misunderstanding.
- Maternity leave is NOT contract-based.
- Even if your employment contract does not mention maternity leave, the law still applies.
- Maternity leave is a legal right, and employers cannot deny it under any condition.
What If a Woman Works for Another Employer During Maternity Leave?
If a woman works elsewhere during her maternity leave:
- The original employer can stop salary
- Or recover salary already paid
Maternity leave is meant for recovery and childcare, not for working another job.
Maternity Leave in UAE for Expats
One of the most searched questions is:
“Is maternity leave in UAE available for expats?”
Yes. 100%, UAE maternity laws apply to:
- Emirati women
- Expat women
- Married or unmarried women
- Full-time private sector employees
There is no nationality restriction under MOHRE.
Maternity Leave in UAE, Government Employees
Government employees have better maternity benefits compared to the private sector.
Federal Government Maternity Leave (Permanent Employees)
Under Federal Decree Law No. 49 of 2022, female federal employees are entitled to:
Maternity Leave Benefits
- 90 days maternity leave
- Fully paid
- Only for permanent employees
Breastfeeding Hours
- 2 hours daily
- Valid for 6 months after delivery
- Considered paid working hours
Parental Leave (Mother or Father)
Both parents can take:
- 5 working days paid parental leave
- Can be taken anytime within 6 months of birth
- Can be consecutive or separate
Maternity Leave in Abu Dhabi Government
Female employees in Abu Dhabi Government receive:
- 3 months fully paid maternity leave
- 2 hours daily breastfeeding leave for one year
Paternity Leave
- Male employees: 3 days paid leave
Maternity Leave in Dubai Government
Dubai Government follows Decree No. 14 of 2017.
Dubai Government Maternity Leave
- 90 days maternity leave
- Starts from delivery date
- Can start 30 days before expected delivery
- Fully paid
Extra Leave Options
- Annual leave + unpaid leave can be added
- Maximum total leave: 120 days
Breastfeeding Rights in Dubai Government
- 2 hours reduced working time
- Valid for 1 year
- No nursing breaks during Ramadan
Special Needs Child (Dubai Government)
If a baby has special needs:
- Childcare leave until baby turns 1 year old
- After maternity leave ends
Dubai Government Paternity Leave
- 3 days fully paid
- Must be taken within 1 month of birth
Maternity Leave in Sharjah Government
Sharjah Government maternity benefits include:
- 120 days total
- 90 days paid
- 30 days unpaid
- Annual leave can be added
- 2 hours nursing leave for 6 months
Maternity Leave in Ras Al Khaimah Government
RAK Government provides:
- 90 days fully paid maternity leave
- Nursing period extended to 1 year
Is Maternity Leave Based on Length of Service?
No. Under UAE Labour Law:
- There is no minimum service requirement
- Even newly hired employees are eligible
- Probation period does not cancel maternity rights
Is Maternity Leave Different for Full-Time and Part-Time Workers?
- Full-time employees: Fully covered
- Part-time employees: Depends on contract type, but maternity protection still applies under labour law principles
What to Do If Employer Refuses Maternity Leave?
If your employer refuses maternity leave:
Step 1: Collect Proof
- Emails
- Messages
- Medical reports
- Contract copy
Step 2: File Complaint with MOHRE
- Online or by visiting a MOHRE office
- MOHRE will contact employer
Step 3: Legal Action (If Needed)
- Labour courts support women strongly
- Unfair termination and denial cases are taken seriously
Why Understanding Maternity Law Is Important
Many women lose their rights because they:
- Trust incorrect HR advice
- Fear losing jobs
- Don’t read UAE Labour Law
Knowing the law gives confidence and protection.
Key Points Every Woman Should Remember
- Maternity leave is a legal right
- Contract cannot cancel law
- Expats are fully protected
- Termination is illegal
- Breastfeeding breaks are paid
- MOHRE supports women strongly
FAQs About MOHRE Maternity Leave in UAE
How many days maternity leave in UAE for private sector employees?
Female employees working in the UAE private sector are entitled to 60 days maternity leave under MOHRE rules.
This includes 45 days with full pay and 15 days with half pay.
Is maternity leave in UAE fully paid?
Maternity leave in the UAE is partially paid for private sector employees. The first 45 days are fully paid, while the next 15 days are paid at half salary. Government employees receive fully paid maternity leave.
Who is eligible for maternity leave in UAE?
All female employees working in the UAE are eligible for maternity leave, including:
- Private sector workers
- Government employees
- Expat women
- Employees on probation
There is no minimum service requirement under UAE Labour Law.
Is maternity leave in UAE available for expats?
Yes. Maternity leave in UAE fully applies to expat women. Nationality, marital status, or visa type does not affect eligibility.
Can maternity leave be taken before delivery?
Yes. A female employee can start maternity leave up to 30 days before the expected delivery date, based on a medical certificate.
Can an employer refuse maternity leave if it is not written in the contract?
No. Maternity leave is a legal right under UAE Labour Law. Even if it is not mentioned in the employment contract, the employer cannot deny maternity leave.
Can a woman be fired during maternity leave in UAE?
No. Termination due to pregnancy or maternity leave is illegal in the UAE. If it happens, the employee can file a MOHRE complaint and claim unfair termination compensation.
Is there any additional leave after maternity leave in UAE?
Yes. A woman may take:
- 45 days unpaid leave for medical reasons
- 30 days paid leave if the baby is sick or disabled
- Additional 30 days unpaid if needed, with medical proof
Conclusion
UAE has made strong progress in supporting working mothers. Whether you work in the private sector, government, or are an expat, maternity leave laws are designed to protect your health, income, and job security.
