The Abu Dhabi Social Support Authority (SSA) has confirmed the extension of maternity leave to 90 days for Emirati women working in the private sector, as part of the Emirati Family Growth Support Programme.

This initiative, launched by the Department of Community Development (DCD) in July 2024, aims to support Emirati women in balancing work and family life without having to compromise on either. The extended 90-day paid maternity leave helps prevent women from feeling pressured to leave their jobs to fulfil caregiving responsibilities, a challenge commonly faced in the Middle East.

In addition to extending the leave, the initiative provides financial support to supplement the salaries of Emirati women during their maternity leave—a practice already common in the region’s public sector. Details on how to apply for the Maternity Leave Support for Women in the Private Sector will be available next month. To be eligible, Emirati women working in the private sector must have a family book issued in Abu Dhabi and obtain a no-objection certificate from their employer. Applications must be submitted within the first 30 days after the child’s birth, and applicants need to provide a valid salary certificate, bank account details (including IBAN), and ensure the child’s birth date is on or after September 1, 2024.

Emphasising the Abu Dhabi government's dedication to creating a nurturing environment for newborns and their families, H.E Dr. Bushra Al Mulla, Director General of SSA, said. "This effort promotes social and family cohesion, ensuring that infants receive the care and support they need for healthy growth and development within their families and communities. By enhancing family stability, we are implementing best practices and standards in the social sector, ensuring the well-being of mothers and their newborns, which will positively impact the overall quality of family life. This initiative is in line with the government’s directives to encourage Emiratis to join the private sector and aligns with SSA’s strategic vision of enhancing the stability of Emirati families while increasing their social contribution. As this initiative targets the private sector, the Authority will strive to expand strategic partnerships to promote its adoption and implementation as part of corporate social responsibility. This will encourage Emirati families to have children and raise them in a healthy and stable environment that supports the growth and development of the Emirati family.”

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H.E. Dr Ahmed Al Azeezi, Executive Director of the Social Support Applications Sector at SSA, said: “The Maternity Leave Support for Women in the Private Sector Programme, designed to complement the Nafis programme, seeks to provide up to 90 days of paid maternity leave for Emirati mothers working in the private sector. This initiative relies on a collaborative approach and partnership with private sector entities and companies, which we encourage to adopt this voluntary programme. Our objective is to fulfil the goals of the Emirati Family Growth Support Program in Abu Dhabi, enhancing family stability and strengthening its social role.”