Abu Dhabi’s private sector is introducing a new initiative that will extend maternity leave for expectant mothers by an additional 30 days. The fully paid 90-day maternity leave will apply to mothers giving birth from September 1, providing much-needed relief and gratitude for working mothers in the UAE. Emirati women have praised the initiative, acknowledging the importance of extended maternity leave for both mothers and their newborns.
Maryam Al Bloushi, a mother from Al Ain pregnant with her third child, emphasized the inadequacy of the current two-month maternity leave. She highlighted the necessity for new mothers to have more time to care for their babies, expressing gratitude for the new initiative that will enable mothers to spend more time with their newborns. The extension in maternity leave is expected to have a positive impact on the well-being of both mothers and children.
The decision to extend maternity leave has been met with joy and appreciation by private sector employees like Alya Al Harithi, who struggled to balance work and motherhood after her first child was born. The initiative aims to address the disparity between maternity leave benefits in the government and private sectors, with the hope that it will encourage more women in the private sector to consider starting or expanding their families. The move is part of the Emirati Family Growth Support Programme, which aims to support UAE nationals in building and growing their families.
Abrar Al Saadi, a mother of three and a private sector employee in Abu Dhabi, praised the decision to extend maternity leave, emphasizing the critical importance of the first three months after childbirth in a mother’s recovery and a child’s development. She believes that the extended maternity leave will not only benefit families but also promote the role of fathers in child-rearing. The initiative is seen as a step towards supporting the growth and development of Emirati families, with the potential to strengthen family and community cohesion in the UAE.
The positive impact of the extended maternity leave is expected to encourage more women in the private sector to consider having children, knowing that they will have the necessary support and time to care for their newborns. The initiative is also seen as a step towards gender equality in the workplace and promoting a healthy work-life balance for employees. As the initiative takes effect in Abu Dhabi, there are hopes that similar policies will be implemented across all Emirates to further support the well-being and growth of Emirati families.
In conclusion, the extension of maternity leave for expectant mothers working in Abu Dhabi’s private sector is a significant step towards supporting working mothers and promoting family growth in the UAE. The initiative, part of the Emirati Family Growth Support Programme, aims to provide mothers with the necessary time to recover after childbirth and care for their newborns, ultimately enhancing family well-being and community cohesion. By extending maternity leave, the UAE is taking a proactive approach to support working families and address the challenges faced by mothers in balancing work and family responsibilities.
