Abu Dhabi Extends Maternity Leave to 90 days for some employees in the private sector.
Newly married couples can get help with rent for four years, and families with four or more children can get part of their loans forgiven, officials said.
Maternity leave for Emirati women working in private companies in Abu Dhabi has been increased to 90 days, officials announced.
This is one of six new programs launched by the Department of Community Development (DCD) in Abu Dhabi to support Emirati families.
Women in public sector jobs already get three months of paid maternity leave, but women in private companies usually get 60 days—45 days fully paid and 15 days half paid, according to UAE Labour Law.
Now, under the new program, Emirati women in private sector jobs will also get 90 days of maternity leave to ensure they have enough time to rest and care for their newborns, officials said. The Abu Dhabi Social Support Authority will enforce the new rule.
New mothers will also receive support during the first weeks of motherhood through a ‘home visit service’ provided by the Abu Dhabi Early Childhood Authority, aiming to support parents and monitor the baby’s development.
In addition to extended maternity leave and home visits, Emirati couples will benefit from other financial support programs, including marriage loans, loan deductions, and rental assistance.
Improving family life All six new programs are part of the Emirati Family Growth Support Programme, which is part of Abu Dhabi’s strategy to improve family life in the emirate through 2028.
The main goal is to support UAE nationals as they marry and raise children.
“Abu Dhabi has always supported children, empowered young people, and been family-friendly. We are committed to helping young people and those about to get married to establish stable families,” said Dr. Mugheer Al Khaili, chairman of DCD Abu Dhabi.
“We are dedicated to helping parents overcome the challenges they face in raising their children, as the family is the foundation for creating a responsible society that continues to progress and preserve our national achievements.”
Financial support programs Here’s a summary of six programs launched for UAE nationals in Abu Dhabi:
- Extended maternity leave
- Home visit service for new mothers
- Marriage loan
- Rental assistance for newlyweds
- Extension of housing loan repayment period
- Partial loan deduction
Young Emirati couples will get the support they need to start a family from the time they decide to get married.
Under the marriage loan program, run by the Abu Dhabi Social Support Authority, Emirati employees in both public and private sectors can get an interest-free financial advance for their wedding. Young couples are encouraged to avoid extravagant weddings and have simple ceremonies.
When looking for a place to live, newlyweds can get annual rental assistance from the local government.
This rental assistance will be given for four years, with the amount decreasing over time and with incentives linked to the birth of children. The Abu Dhabi Housing Authority (Adha) will run this program.
“The programs to reduce housing loan amounts and extend the repayment period for housing loans aim to reduce financial burdens on citizens and encourage them to have children,” said Hamad Hareb Al Muhairi, director-general of Adha.
These services will be available next September, Al Muhairi said.
Under the partial loan deduction program, UAE nationals can get their loan amounts reduced by a certain percentage with the birth of a fourth, fifth, and sixth child in the family.
Adha will also extend the repayment period for housing loans by three years for beneficiaries with four or more children. Specific criteria and conditions will apply.
The Emirati Family Growth Support Programme will be implemented over five years, during which the impact of the programs will be assessed.
Published: 9th July 2024
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