Mohre Paternity Leave In UAE 2026: Paternity Leave in UAE For Private Sector, Government Employees, Eligibility And 5 Days Paid Leave Rules

Mohre Paternity Leave. Paternity leave in the UAE has become a crucial workplace right for working fathers, especially after the latest updates to MOHRE labour laws. Whether you are working in the private sector or the government sector, understanding how paternity leave works in the UAE is essential for planning your family time without worrying about job security or salary losses. Under UAE Labour Law, eligible male employees are entitled to paid paternity or parental leave which allows them to support their newborn and family during the early days after childbirth.

This guide explains everything you need to know about MOHRE paternity leave in UAE, including how many days paternity leave is allowed, who is eligible, whether it applies during the probation period, and the difference between private sector and government sector rules.

Mohre Maternity Leave

What Is Paternity Leave in UAE?

Paternity leave is a legal benefit that allows a father to take time off from work after the birth of his child. In the UAE, this leave is fully paid and is designed to help fathers support their newborn and their family during the early days.

The UAE introduced paid parental and paternity leave to promote:

Strong family bonding
Better work-life balance
Employee wellbeing
A family-friendly work culture

The UAE became the first Arab country to legally introduce paid parental leave for private sector employees.

Overview of Paternity Leave in the UAE

Under UAE Labour Law, male employees are entitled to up to five working days of fully paid paternity leave. This leave:

Can be taken consecutively or separately
Must be used within six months from the child’s birth
Applies to both UAE nationals and expatriates
Covers private sector and public sector employees

This law supports new fathers without affecting their salary or annual leave balance.

MOHRE Paternity Leave Law Explained

Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021

The main law governing paternity leave in the private sector is Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021, later updated under Federal Decree-Law No. 49 of 2022.

According to Article 32, employees are entitled to paid parental leave for newborn care.

Paternity Leave in UAE for the Private Sector (MOHRE)

Private sector employees registered under MOHRE have a clear legal right to paternity leave.

How Many Days Paternity Leave in UAE for Private Sector?

Private sector fathers are entitled to:

5 working days
Fully paid
Available within 6 months of childbirth

Key Rules for Private Sector Paternity Leave

No salary deduction
No deduction from annual leave
Can be taken together or split
Applies to confirmed employees
No minimum service period required

This benefit applies regardless of nationality.

Paternity Leave in UAE for Government Employees

Government employees also enjoy paternity leave, but policies may differ slightly depending on the department or emirate.

Government Sector Paternity Leave Duration

Most government entities provide:

3 to 5 working days
Fully paid leave
Additional family-friendly benefits

Some government departments also offer:

Flexible working hours
Work-from-home options
Family wellbeing programs

Employees should always confirm with their internal HR policy, as government rules can vary.

Paternity Leave in UAE, How Many Days Exactly?

This is one of the most searched questions.

Official Answer:

5 working days of paid paternity/parental leave

This applies to:

Fathers in the private sector
Parents under MOHRE law
Either mother or father (parental leave)

The leave must be taken within six months of the child’s birth.

Paternity Leave vs Parental Leave in UAE

Many people confuse these two terms.

Parental Leave

Can be taken by father or mother
Duration: 5 working days
Paid leave
For child care

Paternity Leave

Usually refers to leave taken by the father
Falls under parental leave rules
Same duration and conditions

In UAE law, parental leave includes paternity leave.

Paternity Leave in UAE During the Probation Period

This is a very important topic.

Can You Take Paternity Leave During Probation?

Yes. Under UAE Labour Law:

There is no minimum tenure requirement
Employees are eligible even during probation
Employers cannot deny paternity leave due to probation status

This protects employees from unfair treatment.

Who Is Eligible for Paternity Leave in UAE?

You are eligible if:

You are employed in the UAE
You work in the private or public sector
Your child is newly born
You apply within six months of birth

Eligible Employees Include:

UAE nationals
Expat employees
Full-time workers
Confirmed or probation employees

There is no nationality restriction.

Is Paternity Leave Fully Paid in UAE?

Yes, paternity leave in the UAE is 100% paid.

During the 5 working days:

Salary must be paid in full
No deductions allowed
Payroll must reflect paid leave

Employers cannot delay or reduce payment.

When Can You Take Paternity Leave?

You can take your leave:

Immediately after childbirth
Any time within six months
Consecutively or intermittently

This flexibility allows fathers to plan according to family needs.

Required Documents for Paternity Leave

Most employers request:

Birth certificate
Hospital birth confirmation
HR request form

Documents may vary by company policy, but requirements must be reasonable.

Employer Responsibilities Under MOHRE Law

Employers have a legal duty to comply.

1. Legal Compliance

Providing paternity leave is mandatory, not optional.

Failure may result in:

MOHRE complaints
Legal penalties
Reputational damage

2. Update HR Policies

Employers must update:

Employee handbooks
Leave policies
HR systems
Employment contracts

Clear policies prevent disputes.

3. Fair Leave Approval Process

Employers must ensure:

Clear application steps
Proper documentation
Timely approvals

Employees should never feel discouraged.

4. Manager Training

Line managers must understand:

Legal entitlement
Non-discrimination rules
Work coverage planning

Untrained managers can unintentionally violate the law.

5. No Discrimination or Penalties

Employers cannot:

Delay promotions
Reduce bonuses
Give negative appraisals
Retaliate against employees

Taking paternity leave is a legal right.

6. Accurate Payroll Records

HR and payroll teams must ensure:

Correct salary payment
Proper leave coding
Accurate reporting

This protects both parties.

Why Paternity Leave Matters in the UAE

Paternity leave helps:

Fathers bond with newborns
Mothers recover better
Families feel supported
Employees stay loyal

It improves morale and productivity.

UAE’s Role as a Family-Friendly Country

With the introduction of paid parental leave, the UAE has shown leadership in:

Employee wellbeing
Modern HR practices
Shared parenting responsibility

This makes the UAE attractive for global talent.

International Comparison (Quick Context)

For understanding only:

UAE: 5 paid days
California (CFRA): 12 weeks unpaid
Many countries still offer no paternity leave

The UAE stands strong in the region.

FAQs About MOHRE Paternity Leave

Can my employer refuse paternity leave?

Ans: No. It is a legal right.

Can I split the leave?

Ans: Yes. You may take it intermittently.

Is annual leave affected?

Ans: No. It is separate.

Can both parents take leave?

Ans: Yes. Parental leave applies to either parent.

Conclusion

Paternity leave in the UAE is more than just five days off work. It reflects the country’s commitment to family values, employee wellbeing, and modern labour practices.