UAE Maternity Leave 2026: Duration, Pay, and Rights
The UAE provides 60 days of maternity leave — 45 at full pay and 15 at half pay — with an additional 45 days of unpaid leave available. Your employer cannot fire you during maternity leave. Here is everything you need to know about your rights as a working mother in the UAE.
Maternity Leave Entitlement
First 45 Days: Full Pay
Your employer must pay your full salary for the first 45 calendar days. This includes basic salary and all regular allowances.
Next 15 Days: Half Pay
Days 46 through 60 are paid at 50% of your regular salary.
Additional 45 Days: Unpaid (Optional)
If you need more time, you can take up to 45 additional days of unpaid leave. This is your right — your employer cannot refuse it.
When to Start Your Leave
You can start your maternity leave up to 30 days before the expected delivery date. The remaining days are taken after delivery. You have flexibility in how you divide the 60 days before and after birth, as long as you take at least 30 days after delivery.
Example Timeline
Expected delivery: 15 May 2026
Leave starts: 15 April (30 days before delivery)
Full pay period ends: 30 May (45 days total)
Half pay period ends: 14 June (60 days total)
Optional unpaid leave ends: 29 July (105 days total)
Your Rights During and After Maternity Leave
- You cannot be terminated during maternity leave — this is illegal
- You cannot be terminated because of pregnancy at any stage
- Your job must be held for you during your leave period
- After returning, you are entitled to two 30-minute nursing breaks per day for 6 months
- Nursing breaks are in addition to your regular break time and are paid
- You can combine maternity leave with annual leave for a longer break
- Your maternity leave counts as service for gratuity and other entitlements
Required Documentation
- Medical certificate confirming pregnancy and expected delivery date
- Written leave application to your employer (submit at least 30 days in advance if possible)
- Birth certificate after delivery (for your HR records)
- Medical certificate if you need to extend leave for health reasons
If Your Employer Violates Your Rights
Document everything: save termination letters, messages, and salary records
If fired during pregnancy or maternity leave, file immediately with MoHRE
Claim illegal termination compensation (up to 3 months salary) plus all entitlements
If salary is reduced or denied during maternity leave, file a salary complaint
You can also report discrimination to MoHRE if pregnancy was the reason for adverse treatment
Check Your Maternity Leave Terms
Some contracts offer maternity leave beyond the legal minimum. Upload your employment contract and we will identify your specific maternity leave terms and any additional benefits.
Check Your ContractFrequently Asked Questions
How many days of maternity leave do I get in UAE?
Under the 2022 labour law, you are entitled to 60 days of maternity leave: 45 days at full pay and 15 days at half pay. You can also take an additional 45 days of unpaid leave if needed, for a total of up to 105 days. The leave can start up to 30 days before the expected delivery date.
Can my employer fire me during maternity leave?
No. Termination during maternity leave is illegal under UAE law. If your employer terminates you during maternity leave or because of pregnancy, this constitutes illegal termination. You can file a complaint with MoHRE and claim compensation including arbitrary dismissal compensation (up to 3 months salary) plus all end-of-service benefits.
Do I get maternity leave during probation?
Yes. Maternity leave is a statutory right that applies regardless of whether you are on probation. Your employer cannot deny maternity leave or terminate you because of pregnancy, even during probation. If they do, it constitutes illegal discrimination.
Can I extend my maternity leave?
Yes. After the 60 days of paid/half-paid leave, you can take up to 45 additional days of unpaid leave. You can also use your annual leave to extend the total time off. Additionally, for the first 6 months after returning to work, you are entitled to two nursing breaks of 30 minutes each during the working day.
What about miscarriage or stillbirth — do I still get leave?
Yes. If you experience a miscarriage or stillbirth after 6 months of pregnancy, you are entitled to the full maternity leave. For miscarriages earlier in pregnancy, you may qualify for sick leave with a medical certificate. Consult your doctor and provide documentation to your employer.