Extended paid maternity leave soon? Minister says proposal being studied

The debate during the FNC session brought to light existing disparities and the ongoing efforts to align private sector practices with the country’s goals of women’s empowerment and workplace equality.

- Rugayya Al Qaydi [e-mail]

Women working in the UAE’s private sector may soon benefit from extended paid maternity leave, pending the outcome of recent discussions in the Federal National Council (FNC) and ongoing consideration by the relevant authorities.

The debate during the session has brought to light existing disparities and the ongoing efforts to align private sector practices with the country’s goals of women’s empowerment and workplace equality.

The issue was raised by FNC member Dr Adnan Al Hammadi, who questioned Dr Abdul Rahman Al Awar, Minister of Human Resources and Emiratisation, about the inconsistencies in paid maternity leave for Emirati mothers in the private sector. Dr Al Hammadi highlighted observations that paid maternity leave can vary between 45 and 90 days, even for women performing similar roles within the same company.

Dr Al Hammadi stated during the FNC session, “We have received feedback from Emirati mothers working in the private sector that the paid maternity leave they receive varies, despite working in the same establishment.”