Leave for New Fathers in the UAE has changed, working dads in both private and public sectors can now take paid time off to support their families after having a baby. What was once a public sector benefit is now a legal right under the UAE Labour Law and updated government decrees, a big step towards better work life balance and family support.
At HowUAE, we break down everything you need to know about paternity leave in UAE 2026. Whether you’re an expecting dad or an employer, this guide covers all the details from leave duration and eligibility to how private sector rules differ from federal and local government policies.
The UAE Paternity Leave Law (Private Sector)
For years, dads in the UAE’s private sector had no legal guarantee of paid time off after their child’s birth. That changed significantly with the Federal Decree Law No. 6 of 2020.
Key Highlights of Article 74 UAE Labour Law
- Parental Leave Introduction: The law introduced 5 days of paid leave for both mothers and fathers upon the arrival of a new child.
- Applies To: Private sector employees across the UAE mainland.
- Free Zones Consideration: Free zones like DIFC and ADGM have their own regulations. For accurate guidance, always consult their specific policies.
This law was a regional first, promoting gender equality and recognizing the importance of working fathers in UAE.
How Much Paternity Leave Do Fathers Get in UAE?
This section outlines entitlements for both private sector and federal government employees.
Private Sector & Federal Government Paternity Leave
| Factor | Details |
|---|---|
| Duration | 5 working days |
| Flexibility | Can be taken consecutively or non-consecutively |
| Timeframe | Must be used within the first 6 months of birth |
| Pay | Fully paid – full salary maintained |
Important: This paid leave applies to both biological and adoptive parents.
Federal Government Law Reference
- Article 20 of Federal Decree Law No. 49 of 2022 aligns with the private sector in granting 5 working days of paid paternity leave UAE.
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Who is Eligible for UAE Paternity Leave?
Understanding who qualifies under UAE law is essential.
Eligibility Criteria
- Private Sector: Male employees governed by UAE Labour Law are eligible after childbirth.
- Government Sector: Employees of the Federal, Abu Dhabi, and Dubai Governments are covered by separate decrees.
- Documentation Required: Employers typically request the child’s birth certificate as part of the paternity leave documentation UAE.
- Application Process: Each company should have a clear paternity leave application UAE process in place.
Additional Key Points
- Deadline: Leave must be used within 6 months (or 1 month for some government roles).
- Multiple Births: The 5-day leave rule usually applies, regardless of twins or more.
Paternity Leave in UAE Public Sectors
Not all government entities follow the same rules. Here’s what you need to know:
New Fathers Leave Breakdown by Government Body
| Sector | Leave Duration | Timeframe | Source/Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Federal Government | 5 working days | Within 6 months | Article 20, Fed. Decree Law No. 49 of 2022 |
| Abu Dhabi Government | 3 working days | Not clearly specified | 3 days Leave for New Fathers UAE applies here |
| Dubai Government | 3 working days | Within 1 month of child’s birth | Dubai HR Law No. 8 of 2018 |
| Other Emirates | Varies | Consult HR/legal team | Sharjah/RAK details not always public on paternity leave |
Always check with your HR department or consult the relevant HR law if you’re working in emirate-level government roles.
UAE Father’s Leave vs. Global Standards
Curious how the UAE compares on a global scale? Here’s a quick look:
Global Father’s Leave Comparison
| Country | Paternity Leave | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| UAE | 5 days (Federal/Private), 3 in Dubai/AD | Paid, with time limits |
| Sweden | Shared 480 days, with dedicated father leave | Highly generous, government-subsidized |
| Norway | Extended, paid paternity leave | Generous individual father leave quotas |
| USA | No federal paid leave | Unpaid under FMLA, varies by employer/state |
Why it matters: Companies offering extended Father’s Leave UAE can stand out to expat professionals and global talent.
Best Practices for Employers Regarding UAE Paternity Leave
Employers play a big role in ensuring smooth implementation of Leave for New Fathers policies.
Employer Guidelines
- Know Your Legal Framework: Apply the right law – UAE Labour Law vs. Federal or Emirate-specific Government Law.
- Internal Policy Documentation: Create a clear leave policy in the employee handbook detailing:
- Eligibility
- Application process
- Required documents
- Go Beyond Minimums: Consider offering more than the mandated 5 or 3 days to boost employee satisfaction.
- Flexible Work Options: After leave, offer remote work or reduced hours as additional support.
- Apply Rules Equally: Avoid discrimination – consistency is key in handling paternity leave requests UAE.
- Stay Legally Updated: UAE employment law evolves – remain informed about any parental leave updates UAE.
A robust paternity leave policy UAE builds trust and enhances employee well-being.
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Conclusion
So, here it is the full picture of paternity leave in UAE for 2026 , curated by HowUAE.
Key Takeaways
- Private Sector & Federal Government: 5 working days paid, usable within 6 months.
- Abu Dhabi & Dubai Governments: 3 days paid, with Dubai enforcing a strict 1-month window.
- Know Your Policy: Don’t assume – always refer to your specific employment contract, HR team, or legal decree.
As the UAE advances family friendly policies and supports work-life balance, taking paternity leave UAE isn’t just your right—it’s a valuable chance to bond with your newborn during a transformative time in your life.
