Authorities in Abu Dhabi have announced that maternity leave for Emirati women working in the private sector will be extended to 90 days. This decision is part of six new initiatives launched by the Department of Community Development (DCD) to support Emirati families in the emirate.
Previously, Emirati women in private firms were granted 60 days of maternity leave—45 days fully paid and 15 days half paid—under the UAE Labour Law. With the new initiative, they will now receive 90 days of leave, aligning with the entitlement of those in the public sector. The Abu Dhabi Social Support Authority will implement this new rule to ensure that new mothers have adequate time to rest and care for their newborns.
In addition to extended maternity leave, new mothers will benefit from a ‘home visit service’ provided by the Abu Dhabi Early Childhood Authority. This service aims to support parents’ well-being and monitor the baby’s growth and development during the first weeks of motherhood.
Other initiatives include marriage loans, rental assistance, and financial relief packages for Emirati couples. These measures fall under the Emirati Family Growth Support Programme, which is part of Abu Dhabi’s strategy to enhance family life quality, with goals extending to 2028. The programme aims to support UAE nationals in building and growing families by providing various forms of assistance as they marry and raise children.
Dr. Mugheer Al Khaili, chairman of DCD Abu Dhabi, emphasized the emirate’s commitment to supporting young people and families. He stated, “Abu Dhabi has always been a city that supports children, empowers young people, and is family-friendly. We are dedicated to supporting parents and helping them overcome the challenges they face in raising their children.”
The six initiatives launched for UAE nationals in the capital include:
- Extended maternity leave
- Home visit service for new mothers
- Marriage loan
- Rental assistance for newlyweds
- Extension of housing loan repayment period
- Partial loan deduction
Under the marriage loan scheme, Emirati employees in both public and private sectors can secure a financial advance for their wedding without interest or fees. This initiative encourages young couples to opt for simple wedding ceremonies. Additionally, newlyweds will receive rental assistance for four years, with the amount gradually decreasing and linked to the birth of children. This scheme will be implemented by the Abu Dhabi Housing Authority (Adha).
The loan deduction and repayment extension initiatives aim to reduce financial burdens and encourage Emirati citizens to have more children. UAE nationals will receive partial loan deductions upon the birth of a fourth, fifth, and sixth child. Housing loan repayment periods will be extended by three years for families with four or more children, subject to certain criteria and conditions.
These initiatives will be available starting next September, and the Emirati Family Growth Support Programme will be assessed over a five-year period to evaluate their impact.
