Maternity leave in the UAE: What every working mum needs to know

If you’re pregnant or planning to grow your family here in the UAE, first of all – congratulations, Mama! Whether this is your first baby or your fifth, the transition into motherhood is huge. And if you’re also navigating work commitments or planning your return to the workplace, you’ve probably got more than a few questions about maternity leave in the UAE.

At Lullabies Expert Sleep and Lactation Consulting, we support new mums at every stage – from pregnancy to postpartum, breastfeeding to weaning, newborn sleep to toddler tantrums. In this blog, I'm going to break down everything you need to know about maternity leave, flexible work options, and how to advocate for yourself as a working parent in Dubai and across the Middle East.

What are the maternity leave laws in the UAE?

Let’s start with the legal side of things. As of the UAE Labour Law update in 2022, women working in the private sector are entitled to:

• 60 calendar days of maternity leave, broken down into:
  • 45 days fully paid, and
  • 15 days at half pay
• An additional 45 days of unpaid leave (if requested due to complications or postnatal illness, with a medical certificate)

Plus:

• A woman is entitled to two 30-minute paid breaks each day for breastfeeding, for up to 6 months after returning to work.
• These rules apply regardless of how long you’ve been employed with your current company.

If you're in the public sector, maternity leave varies slightly depending on the emirate and department but can be up to 90 days, with extended paid leave options and flexible working hours.

Top Tip: Always check your employment contract and speak to HR – some companies offer enhanced maternity policies as part of their benefits package.

Returning to work: Your rights and your options

Heading back to work after having a baby can feel overwhelming – emotionally, physically, and logistically. It's super normal to feel like you're balancing a million plates, all in different directions. But you have rights, and you do have options.

Here are a few practical tips for planning your return:

1. Have the conversation early

Speak to your HR department or manager about your intended return date and explore the options available – whether that’s part-time hours, remote work, or adjusted start/finish times.

2. Request flexible working arrangements

While not all companies in the UAE are legally required to offer flexible working, many are becoming more family-friendly. I see a huge difference in the part time/flexible working market since I first came to the UAE. You can request:

• Reduced hours (temporarily or long-term)
• A hybrid schedule (part home, part office)
• Compressed working weeks

3. Know your breastfeeding rights

You are entitled to two paid nursing breaks a day until your baby is six months old. Use these for pumping or feeding if you're nearby – and if you need support with building a pumping routine, Lullabies can help you create a realistic plan. Some companies are very flexible with this, and may allow you leave early in place of the mandatory breaks. It's always worth having the conversation.

Can I work from home after having a baby?

Yes, remote work is becoming more common – especially in sectors like marketing, admin, customer service, education, finance, and creative industries. If you’re in a position where remote work is possible, speak to your manager about:

• A phased return after maternity leave
• Setting clear expectations and boundaries
• Childcare support during working hours

Plenty of new mums also choose to pivot their careers after baby – freelancing, consulting, or starting a home-based business that works around their family's needs. I am an example of this. I never ever thought that I would run my own business, and Lullabies actually started from the lack of professional support I saw in Dubai for new mums after hospital discharge.

Mum entrepreneurs in Dubai

There’s a growing community of 'mumpreneurs' in the UAE and it’s an exciting time for women who want to create more flexible, fulfilling work for themselves while raising their children.

From wellness coaches to baby product brands, freelance writers to parenting bloggers, more mums than ever are finding ways to work on their terms. There are also fantastic networking groups out there, and local mum-run markets where you can connect with like-minded women. There's also co-working spaces designed specifically for Mums. Some, such as The Hood, even have built in nanny support as well as soundproofed booths and meeting rooms for important calls. Everything is out there for you, and if you need help to find it, you can always DM me for guidance.

Making it work – your way

Whether you’re planning to return to full-time work, seeking a more flexible role, or dreaming up a business of your own, you deserve support and encouragement every step of the way. At Lullabies, we know just how demanding those early weeks and months can be – and we’re here to help.

Through baby sleep support, feeding advice, starting solids guidance, and even baby massage classes, we help new and expecting mums across Dubai and the wider MENA region find their confidence again – one step at a time.

Follow us over on Instagram @lullabiesdxb for daily tips, expert advice, and real talk about motherhood in the UAE. Whether you're still pregnant or already juggling boobs, bottles, buggies and business calls – we’re here cheering you on.

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