All you need to know about paternity leave in Dubai
Parenthood is a special blessing. Welcoming your little one into the world and taking care of them is one of life’s most significant moments. In keeping with this sentiment, the UAE government amended laws to extend paid parental leave for male employees in the private sector. The decree regarding paternity leave in the UAE has had a positive impact on the lives of young fathers working in the private-sector in the UAE and Dubai, enabling them to extend the care and attention needed in the early days of their child’s lives. Here’s everything you need to know about the decree regarding paternity leave in Dubai and the rest of the emirates.
DECREE ON PATERNITY LEAVE IN DUBAI
While male employees in the public sector received paid paternity leave in the country, there were no regulations in regard to private sector employees. In August 2020, an amendment to the UAE labour laws was approved by His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE (2004–22). This amendment made UAE the first Arab country to allow paternal leave for those working in the private sector. The rule came into effect in September 2020 and aimed at promoting gender equality as part of the UAE’s Vision 2021 agenda.
PATERNITY LEAVE IN THE UAE FOR PRIVATE SECTOR
According to the decree, male employees in the UAE’s private sector companies are entitled to receive paid parental leave of five working days. The five days must be taken within the first six months after the child’s birth. The regular weekend breaks are not counted as part of the leave.
A copy of the newborn’s birth certificate is needed to apply for paternity leave in the UAE. Plus, plan ahead and inform your employer about your intention to apply for paternity leave well in advance as per the expected delivery date. Some companies do have a minimum employment period before one can apply for these leaves. It’s best to reach out to your human resource department for clarity.
Women working in the private sector are already eligible for a 45-day fully paid maternity leave period if they have served in their company for at least a year. You can read more about maternity leave in Dubai in detail in our guide.
PATERNITY LEAVE IN UAE FOR PUBLIC SECTOR
All male employees of the UAE Federal Government are entitled to three days of leaves during the month of the baby’s delivery. Public vs private sector leave rules are somewhat different.
FAQs About Paternity Leave in Dubai and Other Emirates
CAN MOTHERS APPLY FOR PATERNITY LEAVES IN DUBAI?
No, as discussed paternity leave in the UAE is for fathers, while mothers are entitled for maternity leaves.
MY BABY WAS BORN OUTSIDE THE UAE. CAN I STILL GET THESE LEAVES?
Yes, as per Dubai paternity leave rules, fathers are entitled to days off in such cases.
WILL FATHERS OF TWINS OR TRIPLETS GET EXTRA LEAVES?
No, the total number of leaves is limited to five working days, even in the case of multiple births as per the rules regarding paternity leave in Dubai.
How might these paternity rules influence gender roles and family dynamics in Dubai?
It allows fathers to build a bond with the child and contribute to their well-being. It improves the work-life balance for fathers in the UAE. Plus, in a vulnerable and challenging time for mothers, it gives them much needed support. Overall, the Dubai paternity leave law has had a positive impact on gender roles and family dynamics in Dubai.
Can male employee parental leave in Dubai be combined with annual leaves?
This may vary from company to company, but generally fathers of newborn babies plan their holidays and often combine the two.
What happens if I don’t take my paternity leave within six months?
In such a case, paternity leave entitlement in Dubai will lapse. There is no provision to take any leaves after the baby is older than 6 months.
Maternity leaves in Dubai were introduced to advance the UAE’s move towards greater gender balance and to encourage talented mothers to work. Similarly, the introduction of paternity leave in the UAE for the private sector has been seen by many as a significant step towards gender equality. This policy will promote family cohesion and allow fathers to create a stronger bond with their children.
This decree has strengthened the position of the UAE as a country with a positive gender balance. The update regarding paternity leave in the UAE is in accordance with the vision of His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
Furthermore, the paternity leave policy in Dubai is another step towards the empowerment of workers. This policy forms part of a broader initiative under the amended UAE Labour Laws aimed at safeguarding employee rights across the country. If you are part of the private sector, it is advisable to read up on the UAE labour laws to ensure your rights are protected.
The UAE end of service benefits is an important tenet in the government’s bid to ensure labour rights. Limited and unlimited contracts in the UAE have also been defined to ensure that the rights of the employees or employers are not infringed. With the Tasheel service, the government is ensuring that all processes regarding labour are done in an effective and efficient manner.
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