Khaleej Times, 27 August 2024: Abu Dhabi has announced that the extended 90-day maternity leave for Emirati women working in the private sector will commence on 1 September 2024.

This extended leave, previously announced, will apply to mothers who give birth on or after that date, according to authorities.

Through this new initiative, Emirati mothers employed in the private sector can also apply for financial support complementary to their salary during their paid maternity leave, provided they have the approval of their private-sector employer.

To qualify for the Maternity Leave Support for Women in the Private Sector Programme, Emirati mothers must apply within the first 30 days of their baby’s birth.

They must provide a valid salary certificate, complete bank account details including the IBAN, a family book issued in Abu Dhabi, and a no-objection certificate from their employer.

The Abu Dhabi Social Support Authority (SSA) aims to expand strategic partnerships with private sector entities to promote the adoption and implementation of the extended maternity leave initiative as part of corporate social responsibility.

This move is expected to encourage Emirati families to have children and raise them in a healthy and stable environment that supports the growth and development of Emirati families.

The extended maternity leave initiative is part of the Emirati Family Growth Support Programme, which will be implemented over a five-year period.

The SSA’s Social Support Applications Sector emphasizes a collaborative approach and partnership with private sector entities and companies, encouraging them to adopt this voluntary programme.

The objective is to fulfill the goals of the Emirati Family Growth Support Program in Abu Dhabi, enhancing family stability and strengthening its social role.

In July, authorities had announced that maternity leave for Emirati women working in the private sector in Abu Dhabi would be extended from 60 to 90 days.

While those in the public sector have always been entitled to three months of paid maternity leave, women in private firms are typically granted 60 days — 45 days fully paid and 15 days half paid, according to the UAE Labour Law.

Furthermore, the Abu Dhabi Early Childhood Authority will introduce a ‘home visit service’ to assist new mothers during the first weeks of motherhood, aiming to support parents’ well-being and monitor the baby’s growth and development.

In addition to the extended maternity leave and home visits, Emirati couples will also benefit from a range of other initiatives and financial relief packages, including marriage loans, loan deductions, and rental assistance.

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