Paternity Leave UAE 2026: Real Entitlement vs What Employers Do

UAE federal law grants new fathers five working days of paid paternity leave under the Labour Law.

This entitlement applies across most mainland employers and many free zones, though actual practice varies by company policy and emirate. Expats often find that while the legal minimum remains modest compared with European standards, some employers in Dubai and Abu Dhabi voluntarily extend it or combine it with annual leave. Understanding the exact rules from MOHRE helps you plan properly and avoid disputes when your child arrives.

Federal Rules Under the Current Labour Law

The UAE Cabinet’s implementation of Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021 sets paternity leave at five consecutive working days. This applies to employees in the private sector who have completed at least one year of service, although many companies waive the service requirement for new joiners. The leave must be taken within six months of the child’s birth, and you receive full basic salary plus any allowances during this period.

MOHRE oversees enforcement, and employers must record the leave in the WPS payroll system. Government employees fall under separate Cabinet resolutions that sometimes provide slightly longer periods, but private-sector expats should focus on the federal five-day rule. Failure by an employer to grant the leave can result in fines and back-pay orders through the MOHRE complaint portal.

Who Qualifies in 2026

• Legally married fathers holding a valid UAE residence visa.
• Employees registered with MOHRE or the relevant free-zone authority.
• Fathers whose spouse has given birth in the UAE or abroad, provided they submit the birth certificate within the required window.

Single fathers or those in relationships not recognised under UAE family law do not qualify. Always keep your marriage certificate and the child’s birth notification from DHA or the relevant health authority ready.

Free Zone and Employer Variations

While the federal minimum is five days, several free zones add extra days through their own HR regulations. DIFC and ADGM companies often grant seven to ten days as standard, and some technology firms in Dubai Silicon Oasis extend this further when combined with flexible working. Mainland companies in JLT or Al Barsha tend to stick strictly to the five-day rule unless their internal policy states otherwise.

Large employers such as banks or airlines frequently allow fathers to take the five days plus up to five days of annual leave without formal approval delays. Smaller firms in Deira or Karama may require you to use annual leave for anything beyond the statutory period. Always request written confirmation of your company’s exact policy when you submit the leave request.

Practical Examples from Real Employers

A software company in Jumeirah Lakes Towers grants the five federal days plus three additional paid days for first-time fathers, paid through the normal salary cycle. In contrast, a trading firm in Al Quoz provides only the legal minimum and requires two weeks’ notice. Checking your employment contract and staff handbook before the birth prevents last-minute arguments.

How to Apply and Required Documents

Submit a written request through your HR portal or email at least 14 days before the expected due date. Attach the following documents: your Emirates ID, marriage certificate attested by MOFA if issued outside the UAE, and the child’s birth certificate once available. Many companies now accept digital copies uploaded via the UAE Pass app.

Once approved, the leave appears on your payslip as “Paternity Leave – Paid”. If your employer uses the MOHRE e-services portal, the record updates automatically. Keep a copy of the approval email in case you need to raise a query later with the labour inspectorate.

Payment and Salary Protection

You receive 100 % of your basic salary plus housing and transport allowances for the five days. Overtime or commission payments are not included unless your contract specifies otherwise. The amount appears in the WPS transfer on your normal payday, so there is no separate claim process.

Common Issues Expats Face and How to Resolve Them

Some employers mistakenly believe paternity leave only applies to UAE-national fathers. This is incorrect; the law covers all private-sector employees regardless of nationality. If your HR team refuses the leave, file a complaint directly through the MOHRE website or the Dubai Now app, providing your labour contract and the child’s documents.

Another frequent problem occurs when the birth happens abroad. In these cases, you must still submit the foreign birth certificate attested by the UAE embassy and MOFA within 30 days of return. Delays beyond this window can lead to rejection, so plan attestation early.

Free-zone employees sometimes encounter confusion between free-zone HR rules and mainland federal law. In practice, the free-zone authority follows the federal minimum but may add benefits. Contact your free-zone licensing department, such as DMCC or Meydan, for clarification before approaching MOHRE.

Combining Leave and Planning Around Birth

Many fathers use the five paternity days immediately after the birth, then take annual leave to extend time at home. This approach works well when your partner’s maternity leave, covered in detail in our guide on Maternity Leave UAE 2026, runs longer. Coordinating both periods helps families manage childcare costs in the first month.

Residents in Abu Dhabi can also explore additional support through the Abu Dhabi Department of Community Development schemes, though these remain separate from employment leave. Always confirm with your employer whether public holidays falling during paternity leave extend the total days off.

Updated 2026

Rules can be updated by Cabinet resolution each year, so verify the latest circular on the MOHRE website or through your company HR before your due date. For your specific case, ask Tovi — answers in 30 seconds, in your language.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take paternity leave if my child is born outside the UAE?

Yes, provided you submit an attested foreign birth certificate to your employer within 30 days of returning to the UAE. MOHRE accepts documents attested by the UAE embassy and MOFA, and most companies process the leave once the paperwork is complete.

Does paternity leave affect my end-of-service gratuity?

No. The five days count as paid leave and do not reduce your gratuity calculation under Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021. Your service period remains continuous for all statutory benefits.

What happens if my employer refuses the five days?

You can file a complaint through the MOHRE portal or the nearest labour court in your emirate. Keep copies of your request, the birth certificate, and your employment contract; authorities usually resolve these cases within two to four weeks with an order for the employer to grant the leave or pay compensation.

Are free-zone employees entitled to the same five days?

Yes. Free zones follow the federal Labour Law minimum, although some, such as DIFC and ADGM, offer additional days through their own regulations. Check your free-zone HR handbook for any extra entitlements on top of the statutory five days.

Can I split the five days across different weeks?

Most employers require the days to be taken consecutively within six months of the birth. Splitting them is only possible if your company policy explicitly allows it and you obtain written approval in advance.

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