Abu Dhabi: Now parents are allowed to have paid maternity leave in Dubai upto 3 months under new law with effect from Monday. Recently in September last year, Abu Dhabi joined the lists of countries allowing maternity leaves for its government employees.
Working Mom’s-to-be are now granted paid maternity leave under the new law by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-president and Ruler of Dubai.
The new law allows mom’s-to-be to take maternity leave and also nursing breaks.
New mothers will be allowed to take two hours off work to feed their new born’s, each day up to a year. During Ramadan, mothers will be granted an hour a day to feed.
In the event of a miscarriage before the 24th week of pregnancy, a woman is entitled to sick leave on presenting a doctor’s note. After the 24th week, or in case of stillbirth, she will be entitled to 60 days of leave.
Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai, approved the decree in January, saying it was part of the Government’s efforts to support working mothers and families.
“This will help employees have closer family bonds and enhance their sense of family stability,” he said. “It will also help working mothers to play their crucial role in the family more effectively and help ensure the proper upbringing of the child.
Adding to it, he says, “This is particularly important in the case of babies that have special needs, since the parents may need to provide a higher degree of care and follow-up.
“The integration of individuals with special needs into society is one of the top priorities of the Government of Dubai. It is a process that starts prior to birth,” as reported in Gulf Business.