Diversity

Sharjah approves ‘care leave’ of 1-year paid leave for working mothers; Here’s what it means

By Anjum Khan

In a compassionate move to support working mothers, His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, has approved a new ‘Care Leave’ to help mothers care for their sick or disabled infants. 

The decision under Resolution No. (12) of 2021, which pertains to the executive regulations of Law No. (6) of 2015 on human resources in Sharjah, redefines new parental leave care policy  within the emirate’s government employment framework. 

The amendment states, “Under the new policy, a female employee who gives birth to a child with a medical condition or disability requiring constant care will be eligible for fully paid care leave following maternity leave,”

Although under the new parental leave care policy provision, 'Care Leave' is exclusively for primary caregivers i.e., mothers, who are caring for infants with disabilities or chronic illnesses.

A working mother applying for this leave would need to submit a “medical report must be submitted from an authorised medical body,”

And additional key provisions also mention that, “the care leave will last one year with full pay after maternity leave ends.”

It can be extended further up to three years, “the relevant authority’s approval and a supporting medical report,” and in case the child’s health improves, the leave can be terminated based on the medical recommendations. 

The amendments also cover a key part of working women’s life, which is career growth, as it states, “Employee performance during care leave will be evaluated under the existing performance management framework,” and, “care leave will be counted as part of the employee’s total service.”

And in case the ‘care leave’ exceeds beyond three years, it will require the intervention of the Higher Committee for Human Resources.

The decision was passed after reviewing a study conducted by NAMA Women Advancement (NAMA), which identified the needs of working mothers, who face overwhelming caregiving responsibilities due to their children’s medical conditions.

Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, Chairperson of NAMA and the wife of the Ruler of Sharjah, affirmed that this decision, guided by His Highness’s vision, saying “ “Seemingly an administrative decision, this directive will serve as a building block of Sharjah’s healthy, well-balanced society in future.

Our Emirate admires women for being able to successfully juggle their roles as mothers and career women, and we believe that their emotional and financial stability is key to raising confident and conscious generations. A mother who faces the daily challenge of caring for a sick or disabled child deserves our full support and access to the tools that help her persevere.

Without institutional backing, she should not be burdened with choosing between motherhood and her career."

Adding, "At NAMA, we work on reviewing women’s developmental policies, and formulate recommendations for our partners in the government working in these sectors, thereby ensuring meaningful integration for women in both economic and social life. We also design initiatives and projects based on our real-time research and studies, ensuring that motherhood can be enjoyed like a valued contribution, and not feel like a burden. We hope this initiative will serve as a model across the Arab world for developing flexible and just policies that place human welfare at the heart.”

H.E. Abdullah Ibrahim Al Zaabi, Chairman of Sharjah Human Resources Department, noted, “The Care leave is a legal and legislative pathway under Sharjah’s Human Resources Law, effective from May 5, 2025. It will be granted following maternity leave based on a certified medical report issued by the relevant authority. It begins as one year of fully paid time off and can be extended for up to three years with government approval, contingent on annual health assessments of the child.”

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This decision aims to support families and working mothers, reinforcing the Emirate’s commitment to inclusive, flexible workplaces that reflect women's multiple roles and uphold social responsibility

According to UAE Federal Law No. 57 of 2023, Emirati working mothers are entitled to up to three years of leave to care for their children, while still maintaining their end-of-service benefits through monthly contributions, as confirmed by the General Pension & Social Security Authority (GPSSA). 

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