Dubai-based Transguard launches adoption leave policy, expands family support benefits

Dubai-based business solutions provider Transguard Group has reinforced its family-focused workplace policies with the introduction of a new adoption and guardianship leave programme, alongside its enhanced maternity leave benefits, as organisations across the UAE place greater emphasis on employee wellbeing and inclusive workplace practices.

Announced in recognition of Global Day of Parents on June 1, the company said the move reflects its broader commitment to supporting employees through different stages of parenthood and family life.

Transguard’s maternity leave policy currently offers up to three months of paid leave for eligible female employees, exceeding the provisions outlined under UAE Labour Law. 

Female employees who have completed one year of service are entitled to 85 calendar days of paid maternity leave, with the option to extend their leave through additional unpaid time off.

The policy applies across all employee levels and job functions.

Building on this framework, the company has now introduced a dedicated adoption and guardianship leave policy available to eligible employees of all genders who have completed their probationary period.

Under the new policy, employees welcoming children through legal adoption or permanent guardianship will receive paid leave based on the age of the child at the time of placement. For children aged two years and below, adoption leave will mirror the company’s enhanced maternity leave provisions, while additional paid leave will also be available for employees adopting older children.

Rabie Atieh, Chief Executive Officer of Transguard Group, said the initiative reflects the company’s broader focus on employee welfare and inclusivity.

“Best-in-class employee welfare remains central to our culture,” Atieh said. “By extending our support beyond maternity to include adoption, we are recognising the many ways families are formed and ensuring our people feel valued, supported and secure, regardless of their personal journey into parenthood.”

Rachael Tutungi, Director – Group Human Resources at Transguard Group, said the introduction of adoption and guardianship leave aligns with the organisation’s people-first approach.

“Introducing adoption and guardianship leave is a natural extension of our people-first approach,” Tutungi said. “We recognise and support all paths to parenthood and our policies are designed to be inclusive whilst continuing to exceed statutory requirements and promote genuine work-life balance.”

The company said its enhanced maternity leave programme was recognised in 2024 by Expo City Dubai for its contribution to worker welfare and employee wellbeing.

The latest policy expansion also aligns with Transguard’s broader environmental, social and governance (ESG) and corporate social responsibility (CSR) priorities, with the company positioning employee welfare and inclusive growth as key pillars of its workforce strategy.

The move comes amid a wider push among employers in the UAE and Gulf region to strengthen family-friendly workplace policies, improve retention and support evolving workforce expectations around flexibility, wellbeing and caregiving responsibilities.