Dubai government workers now entitled to 90 days of maternity leave

Dubai government employees are now entitled to 90 days of maternity leave from their due date, under new decree announced by ruler His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.

The decree also allows female workers to start maternity leave 30 days before their due date if it is taken continuously and combine it was regular annual leave and leave without pay for a maximum of 120 days.

Female staff who suffer a miscarriage before 24 weeks of pregnancy are entitled to sick leave based on a medical report while a miscarriage or stillbirth after 24 weeks will allow workers to take 60 days of maternity leave after a an approved medical report is provided.

In addition, government workers who give birth to a child with a disability are entitled to one year of leave renewable for three years based on a medical report and approval from a senior official.

However, pay during all the leave periods introduced by the decree will only be based on the employee’s basic salary, with weekend and official holidays considered part of the leave period.

Also under the plans government departments will be required to establish a nursery for employee’s children below four years of age if the number of children of all female employees is 20 or above.

If the total is less than 20, two government entities can establish a joint nursery.

Department can also contract nurseries close to their headquarters if they do not have adequate space for a nursery.

The decree is valid from March 1 and annuls any previous legislation that contradicts it.

Some of the changes were first announced in January. They follow new regulation announced by the Abu Dhabi government in September last year.

Read: Dubai government extends paid maternity leave for employees