The new human resources law issued in Abu Dhabi which allows working women to take three months of fully paid maternity leave instead of two has been commanded by the President of the UAE Gender Balance Council. The Council was established in order to reduce the gender gap across all government sectors in the country, enhance the UAE’s ranking in global reports on gender equality, and promote gender balance in decision-making positions.
In light of the new Abu Dhabi law, the UAE Gender Balance Council set up a committee to discuss the UAE Maternity Law at a workshop it had organized. The committee included representatives from the various UAE government sectors, particularly the health, education, legal and military sectors, along with human resources specialists and representatives from the private sector. The committee highlighted the right of each child to receive the required care from their parents, as well as the importance of breastfeeding at a young age.
The Council is said to be committed to submit suggestions to the government to amend the UAE Maternity Law and to advocate for a unified Federal law for maternity leave. Its aim is to enhance both the family life of working women and productivity levels.
