TL; Dr:
- While the federal law guarantees five days paid paternity leave, many companies are offering far more: for the father for six weeks and for mothers up to 26 weeks.
- Important employers are involved in leadership changes
Deutush bank mena Two -week paternity package, and US law firm Baker McKenzie’s six weeks (42 days) for dads and 52 weeks for mothers. - The 2025 Federal National Council is reviewing proposals to expand motherhood in the private sector for 90 days, which align with developing corporate practices. These changes reflect a widespread social change in families, work-life balance and gender equity.
UAE ,
Post-Pandemic UAE is seeing a notable change in work culture, where paternity and employment are rapid co-existence. Beyond the five-day legal paternity leave, a host of employers in 2025 is independently expanding its holiday package. Dutha Bank now offers two weeks of payment paternity leave, while Baker McKenzie offers six weeks for father and an entire year for mothers. These private-field progress indicates a comprehensive step towards family-facilitated workplaces in Emirates, with a proposed 90 in day private-field maternity leave.
Legal framework: UAE Baseline
The federal decree of 2020, under law number 6, the father in both private and public sectors legally receive five paid working days within six months of the birth of a child; Mothers deserve fully paid maternity leave (Plus 15 days half salary) for 45 days.
Employer-Level Leap: Progressive Parents Policies
Recent corporate examples show an increase in parents’ benefits:
- Dutash Bank (Mena): Since the beginning of 2025, 14 days payment is a big step than paternity leave, statutory minimum.
- Baker McKenzie (UAE): 42 days for the father and 52 weeks for mothers, of which 26 weeks are fully paid.
- Chalhaob Group and WSP Middle East: 30 days and 10 days respectively provide paternity leave, as well as flexible programs.
These policies reflect a competitive drive to attract and maintain talent in a fast growing economy.
Proposal and improvement: 90‑ day maternity on table
In May 2025, the Federal National Council debated private sector maternity leave for 90 days, aligning benefits with public sector norms. This step supports UAE’s goals on women empowerment and better work-life balance, complementing corporate-undertaking enrichment.
Benefits: Family, employer and Equality
Strong holiday policies provide:
- Promotional family relations: Especially when the father benefits both parents and newborns.
- Employer Competition: Standout Benefits increases the company’s reputation in attracting global talent.
- Gender Equity: Shared care duties support the continuous workplace participation of women.
Community reaction
Research suggests that the father who takes a holiday for the care of newborns benefits everyone. The study suggests that it strengthens the bond between the father and the child, helps in the development of the child, and promotes a strong relationship between the parents. Extended ancestral holiday policies are well preferred in the Middle East and North Africa (86%) according to United Nations Women Research. In 2025, UAE’s approach for parents’ holiday is developing rapidly. Beyond the five-day paternity legal requirement, employers voluntarily are discharged for weeks or months with proposals for expanded public sector reforms aimed at matching this pace. As companies increase their ancestral profit bar, and catch the legal structure, the UAE can define regional standards for family-centric workplaces.
