Abu Dhabi's private sector Emirati women will receive 90 days of paid maternity leave starting September 1, 2024 — a landmark policy change under the Emirati Family Growth Support Programme, jointly overseen by the Abu Dhabi Social Support Authority (SSA) and the Department of Community Development.
The move brings private sector maternity benefits in line with the public sector for the first time, aiming to make private employment more attractive to UAE nationals.
Closing the Gap Between Public and Private Sectors
Previously, Emirati women working in the private sector were entitled to approximately 60 days of paid maternity leave, while public sector employees already enjoyed 90 days. The new policy eliminates that disparity, signalling a deliberate push by Abu Dhabi to level conditions for Emirati workers across both sectors.
While participation is voluntary for private employers, the initiative actively encourages companies to adopt the extended leave as part of building family-friendly workplaces.
What Officials Said
Dr. Bushra Al Mulla, Director General of the Abu Dhabi Social Support Authority, underscored the policy's broader social goals.
"By improving the stability of families, we are making successful practices and standards within the sphere of the social domain, as well as the health of women with children and neonates, and the quality of family lives," Dr. Al Mulla said.
The SSA will provide up to AED 15,000 per month in financial support to eligible mothers, based on approved criteria, complementary to their employer salary.
How to Apply for the Extended Maternity Leave
Emirati women in the private sector who give birth on or after September 1, 2024 can apply for the benefit. Applications must be submitted within 30 days of the birth. The required documents include:
- Original family book (issued in Abu Dhabi) - Original salary certificate - Recent bank statement - No-objection certificate from the employer
The SSA will also cover monthly pension contributions on behalf of both the applicant and the employer for an additional 30 days of unpaid leave.
Part of the Wider Nafis Emiratisation Drive
This maternity leave expansion connects directly to the Nafis Emiratisation programme, launched in September 2021, which aims to increase Emirati participation in the skilled private sector workforce. To date, more than 113,000 UAE nationals have been placed with private companies through the programme. The government's target is to achieve 10% Emirati representation in skilled private sector roles by December 2026.
Employment specialist Claire Donnelly welcomed the measure and expressed hope that similar policies could eventually be extended to workers of all nationalities.
