Abu Dhabi introduces 90 days paid maternity leave for Emirati women in private sector

The new rules apply to women whose babies are born on or after September 1

The maternity plan is in line with the government’s directives to encourage Emiratis to join the private sector. Silvia Razgova / The National

Emirati women working in the private sector in Abu Dhabi will now be eligible to apply for 90 days maternity leave.

The decision is designed to make working for a private company more appealing amid a nationwide campaign to encourage citizens into the sector.

New mothers working in the public sector are already entitled to 90 days of paid maternity leave.

But many companies in the private sector stick to the 45 days mandated by the law.

The scheme is being run by the Abu Dhabi Social Support Authority as part of the Emirati Family Growth Support Programme by the Department of Community Development.

Mothers with a baby due on or after September 1 are eligible after obtaining the approval of their employer. Officials said the provision is voluntary for companies.

Dr Bushra Al Mulla, director general of the Social Support Authority, said it "government’s commitment to fostering a nurturing environment for newborns,.

“This effort promotes social and family cohesion, ensuring that infants receive the care and support they need for healthy growth and development within their families and communities," she said.

“By enhancing family stability, we are implementing best practices and standards in the social sector, ensuring the well-being of mothers and their newborns, which will positively impact the overall quality of family life.”

The plan is linked to efforts to encourage Emiratis to join the private sector, said Dr Al Mulla.

“This will encourage Emirati families to have children and raise them in a healthy and stable environment that supports the growth and development of the Emirati family,” she said.

To qualify, the application must be made in the first 30 days after the baby's delivery and the mother must have an Emirati family book, which is an official record documenting marital status, children and parents.

Mothers must provide a valid salary certificate and their bank account details, including an IBAN. A no-objection certificate from their employer is also required.

Dr Ahmed Al Azeezi, executive director of the social support applications sector at the authority, said it relies on a "collaborative approach and partnership with private sector entities and companies, which we encourage to adopt this voluntary programme".

The flagship Emiratisation jobs scheme, known as Nafis, was introduced in September 2021.

Since then, the number of citizens working for companies has more than doubled to 113,000, according to the latest figures. The government wants 10 per cent of skilled private sector jobs to be filled by citizens by the end of 2026.

The extension of paid maternity leave was described as a step in the right direction by one employment expert.

“It's a welcome move forward and I would hope it will eventually be extended to all nationalities in the workforce,” said Claire Donnelly, who runs HR and business consultancy MHC.