UAE Paternity Leave Calculator
Calculate your paid paternity leave entitlement and salary across all UAE employment sectors
Leave Salary Calculation
| Component | Calculation | Amount |
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Important Dates
| Event | Description | Date |
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Paternity Leave by Sector
| Sector | Leave Days | Deadline | Min. Service |
|---|---|---|---|
| Private Sector | 5 working days | 6 months | None |
| Federal Government | 5 working days | 6 months | None |
| Dubai Government | 3 days | 1 month | None |
| Abu Dhabi Government | 3 days | 1 month | None |
| DIFC | 5 working days | 1 month | 1 year |
| ADGM | 5 working days | 2 months | Probation complete |
UAE Paternity Leave Calculator: Calculate Your Paid Leave Entitlement and Salary
Becoming a father is one of life’s most transformative experiences, and the United Arab Emirates recognizes the importance of supporting new parents during this crucial time. The UAE’s progressive labour laws now guarantee paid paternity leave for working fathers, making it the first Arab nation to extend such benefits to private sector employees. Whether you work in the private sector, government, DIFC, or ADGM, understanding your paternity leave entitlements is essential for planning your family’s most important moments.
This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about paternity leave in the UAE, including eligibility requirements, duration by sector, salary calculations, and how to apply. Our free UAE Paternity Leave Calculator helps you instantly determine your leave entitlement and calculate the exact salary you will receive during your time away from work.
Understanding Paternity Leave in the UAE
Paternity leave in the UAE refers to the paid time off granted to new fathers to bond with their newborn child and support their partner during the early days of parenthood. This leave was introduced through Federal Decree-Law No. 6 of 2020, which amended the UAE Labour Law to include parental leave provisions for both mothers and fathers in the private sector. The legislation marked a significant milestone in the region, positioning the UAE as a leader in progressive employment policies.
Prior to this landmark legislation, only public sector employees in the UAE had access to paternity leave, typically limited to three days. Private sector employees had no statutory entitlement, though some employers voluntarily offered this benefit. The 2020 amendments created uniformity across sectors and established paternity leave as a legal right rather than an employer discretion.
The United Arab Emirates became the first Arab nation to mandate paid paternity leave for private sector employees, reflecting the country’s commitment to family welfare and gender equality in the workplace.
Paternity Leave Duration by Employment Sector
The duration of paternity leave in the UAE varies depending on your employment sector. Understanding which regulations apply to your situation is crucial for accurate leave planning. The UAE has three distinct employment jurisdictions: mainland UAE (governed by Federal Labour Law), DIFC (Dubai International Financial Centre), and ADGM (Abu Dhabi Global Market), each with its own employment regulations.
Private sector employees under Federal Labour Law are entitled to five working days of paid parental leave. Government sector employees typically receive three to five days depending on the specific emirate and government entity. DIFC and ADGM employees are entitled to five working days of paternity leave, though the timeframes for taking this leave differ between the two free zones.
Private Sector Paternity Leave Entitlements
Under Article 32 of the UAE Labour Law (Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021), private sector employees are entitled to five working days of paid parental leave. This leave applies to both mothers and fathers, though mothers typically combine it with their separate maternity leave entitlement. For fathers, this five-day parental leave constitutes their paternity leave benefit.
The leave can be taken either consecutively or intermittently, providing flexibility for new fathers to manage their work and family responsibilities. However, all five days must be utilized within six months of the child’s birth. If a father does not take the leave within this period, the entitlement lapses and cannot be claimed later or compensated monetarily.
Importantly, there is no minimum service requirement for paternity leave eligibility in the private sector. Both male and female employees are entitled to parental leave regardless of their length of service with the employer. This inclusive approach ensures that even recently hired employees can benefit from this important family support measure.
Paternity leave in the UAE is calculated in working days, not calendar days. This means regular weekends (Saturday and Sunday for most private sector employees) are not deducted from your five-day entitlement, effectively giving you more consecutive days off.
Government Sector Paternity Leave Rules
Government employees in the UAE have paternity leave entitlements that vary by emirate and specific government entity. Federal government employees are entitled to five working days of paid parental leave under Article 20 of Federal Decree-Law No. 49 of 2022. This leave must be taken within six months of the child’s birth and can be used consecutively or intermittently.
Dubai Government employees are governed by Dubai Government Human Resources Management Law No. 8 of 2018, which entitles male employees to three days of fully paid paternity leave. This leave must be taken within one month of the child’s birth, a shorter window compared to the federal and private sector requirements.
Abu Dhabi Government employees similarly receive three days of paternity leave. Sharjah, Ras Al Khaimah, and other emirates have their own specific regulations, though most follow patterns similar to the federal government entitlements. Government employees should consult their HR department for specific entitlements applicable to their entity.
DIFC Paternity Leave Regulations
The Dubai International Financial Centre operates under its own employment law, separate from the UAE Federal Labour Law. Under DIFC Employment Law No. 2 of 2019 (Article 37), male employees are entitled to five working days of paternity leave. This leave is available to employees who have completed at least one year of continuous employment with their employer.
DIFC paternity leave must be taken within one month of the child’s birth, a significantly shorter window compared to the six-month period allowed under Federal Labour Law. Employees must also provide their employer with a certificate from a registered medical practitioner confirming the birth date. The leave can be used for both biological children and adopted children under five years of age.
Unlike the Federal Labour Law, DIFC requires employees to meet a minimum service period before becoming eligible for paid paternity leave. Employees on probation are not entitled to paid paternity leave, though they may be able to negotiate unpaid leave with their employer.
ADGM Paternity Leave Regulations
The Abu Dhabi Global Market has its own employment regulations that govern paternity leave for employees of ADGM-registered companies. Under the ADGM Employment Regulations 2024, male employees are entitled to five working days of paid paternity leave. The regulations were updated in 2024 to also include adoptive fathers, ensuring that employees adopting children under five years old receive the same entitlements as biological fathers.
ADGM paternity leave must be taken within two months of the child’s birth, providing a middle ground between the DIFC’s one-month requirement and the Federal Law’s six-month window. Employees must have completed their probationary period to be eligible for paid paternity leave. Those still on probation are not entitled to paid leave but may negotiate unpaid time off.
Public holidays that fall during paternity leave in ADGM extend the leave period by the duration of the holiday, ensuring employees receive their full five working days of paternity leave. This provision protects employees from losing leave days due to coinciding public holidays.
DIFC and ADGM have different timeframes for taking paternity leave: DIFC requires leave within one month of birth, while ADGM allows two months. Both require completion of probation, unlike Federal Labour Law which has no minimum service requirement.
How to Calculate Your Paternity Leave Salary
Calculating your paternity leave salary is straightforward using the UAE’s standard daily wage formula. The calculation begins with determining your monthly salary, which typically includes your basic salary plus any fixed allowances such as housing allowance, transportation allowance, or other contractual benefits. Variable components like bonuses, overtime, or commissions are generally excluded.
Once you have your monthly salary figure, divide it by 30 to get your daily wage. The UAE uses a standardized 30-day month for all salary calculations, regardless of whether the actual month has 28, 29, 30, or 31 days. This standardization simplifies calculations and ensures consistency across all employees and employers.
Finally, multiply your daily wage by the number of paternity leave days you are entitled to (typically five working days). The result is your total paternity leave salary, which should be paid along with your regular monthly salary or in advance of your leave period, depending on your employer’s payroll practices.
Monthly Salary: AED 15,000 (Basic: AED 10,000 + Housing: AED 3,500 + Transport: AED 1,500)
Daily Wage: AED 15,000 ÷ 30 = AED 500
Paternity Leave Days: 5 working days
Total Leave Salary: AED 500 × 5 = AED 2,500
This employee will receive AED 2,500 for their five-day paternity leave period, in addition to their regular salary for days worked.
Eligibility Requirements for Paternity Leave
Eligibility requirements for paternity leave in the UAE vary depending on your employment sector and jurisdiction. Understanding these requirements helps ensure you can claim your full entitlement without any complications or delays.
For private sector employees under Federal Labour Law, there are no minimum service requirements. All male employees are entitled to paternity leave from their first day of employment. The only requirement is that the employee must be the father of a live-born child and must take the leave within six months of the birth.
DIFC employees must have completed at least one year of continuous employment with their employer to qualify for paid paternity leave. Employees on probation are not entitled to paid leave. Additionally, DIFC employees must provide documentation confirming the birth within the prescribed timeframe.
ADGM employees must have completed their probationary period to qualify for paid paternity leave. The probationary period in ADGM can be up to six months, so new employees may need to wait before becoming eligible. However, employers may choose to offer more generous terms than the minimum required by law.
All sectors require proof of the child’s birth, typically in the form of a birth certificate or hospital documentation. Prepare these documents in advance to ensure smooth processing of your leave request.
Application Process for Paternity Leave
Applying for paternity leave should begin well before your expected due date to ensure a smooth transition of your work responsibilities. While the UAE Labour Law does not specify a mandatory notice period for paternity leave, providing adequate notice demonstrates professionalism and helps your employer plan for your absence.
The typical application process involves notifying your immediate supervisor and HR department of your expected leave dates. Many companies have formal leave request systems where you can submit your paternity leave application. Include the expected due date, your planned leave dates, and any arrangements you have made for coverage of your responsibilities.
Once the baby is born, provide your employer with the official birth certificate or hospital documentation as proof. This documentation triggers your entitlement and allows HR to process your leave formally. Some employers may also require you to update them on the actual birth date if it differs from the expected date.
Combining Paternity Leave with Other Leave Types
UAE employees have the flexibility to combine paternity leave with other types of leave to extend their time off after the birth of a child. This can be particularly helpful for fathers who want to spend more time supporting their partner and bonding with their newborn.
Annual leave is the most common type of leave combined with paternity leave. Employees can request to take their annual leave entitlement immediately before or after their paternity leave, potentially creating a longer continuous period away from work. However, this is subject to employer approval and operational requirements.
Unpaid leave is another option for fathers who want extended time off beyond their statutory entitlements. While employers are not required to grant unpaid leave, many are willing to accommodate such requests, especially for family-related matters. Discuss your needs with your employer well in advance to explore available options.
Multiple Births and Paternity Leave
The UAE Labour Law applies equally regardless of the number of children born in a single birth event. Whether you welcome one baby or twins, triplets, or more, your paternity leave entitlement remains five working days. There is no additional leave granted for multiple births under the current legislation.
This can present challenges for families welcoming multiples, as the care requirements are significantly higher. Fathers in this situation should consider combining their paternity leave with annual leave or discussing additional arrangements with their employer to ensure adequate family support during this demanding period.
Some employers may offer discretionary additional leave for multiple births as part of their benefits package. Check your company’s HR policies or discuss with your manager to understand if any enhanced benefits are available for such situations.
Paternity Leave for Adoption
The UAE has progressively extended parental leave benefits to adoptive parents, recognizing that families are formed in many ways. Under Federal Labour Law, parental leave is available to employees who have a live-born child, which can include situations where the employee legally adopts a child.
DIFC Employment Law explicitly extends paternity leave rights to male employees adopting a child under five years of age. The same five-day entitlement applies, and the leave must be taken within one month of the adoption becoming effective.
ADGM Employment Regulations 2024 similarly include adoptive fathers in their paternity leave provisions. The 2024 update specifically added adoption to ensure that adoptive fathers receive the same entitlements as biological fathers. The leave must be taken within two months of the adoption.
Adoptive fathers should provide legal documentation confirming the adoption when requesting paternity leave. This may include court orders, adoption certificates, or other official documents depending on the type of adoption and jurisdiction.
Employer Obligations and Employee Protections
UAE employers have legal obligations regarding paternity leave that they must fulfill to remain compliant with labour laws. Employers cannot refuse a legitimate request for paternity leave, and they must pay the employee’s full salary during the leave period. Any attempt to deny or discourage paternity leave could constitute a violation of employment law.
Employees are protected from termination or adverse treatment related to taking paternity leave. An employer cannot terminate an employee’s contract, demote them, or change their terms and conditions of employment because they have taken or requested paternity leave. Such actions would be considered discriminatory and could result in legal consequences for the employer.
Employees returning from paternity leave are entitled to return to the same or a substantially similar role with the same terms, conditions, and seniority they had before taking leave. This protection ensures that fathers can take their entitled leave without fear of negative career consequences.
Progressive Company Policies
While UAE law mandates minimum paternity leave entitlements, many companies offer enhanced benefits that exceed these statutory requirements. This trend reflects growing recognition of the importance of family-friendly workplace policies in attracting and retaining talent in the competitive UAE job market.
Some multinational companies operating in the UAE offer paternity leave of 14 to 42 days, significantly exceeding the five-day statutory minimum. These enhanced policies are often part of global parental leave programs that the company implements consistently across all locations.
When evaluating job offers or negotiating employment terms, consider the company’s parental leave policies as part of the overall compensation package. Enhanced paternity leave can be a valuable benefit, particularly for employees planning to start or expand their families during their tenure with the company.
Impact of Paternity Leave on Other Entitlements
Taking paternity leave does not affect your other employment entitlements. Your annual leave continues to accrue during the paternity leave period, ensuring you do not lose vacation days due to taking time off for family reasons.
Similarly, paternity leave does not impact your end-of-service gratuity calculation. The leave period counts as continuous service for gratuity purposes, meaning your eventual gratuity payment will not be reduced because you took paternity leave.
Public holidays that fall during your paternity leave are treated differently depending on your employment sector. In ADGM, public holidays extend your leave period. In other sectors, the treatment may vary, so check with your HR department for specific guidance.
Tips for Maximizing Your Paternity Leave
Planning is essential for making the most of your paternity leave. Start by understanding your exact entitlements based on your employment sector and company policies. Request any documentation you might need, such as company leave policies or HR guidelines, well before your expected due date.
Create a coverage plan for your work responsibilities during your absence. Identify a colleague who can handle urgent matters, prepare handover notes, and set up out-of-office messages. This preparation helps ensure a stress-free leave and demonstrates professionalism to your employer.
Consider the timing of your leave strategically. While the birth date is unpredictable, you can plan when to take your leave relative to the birth. Some fathers prefer to start leave immediately, while others save some days for later use within the allowed period. Discuss options with your partner to determine what works best for your family.
Common Questions About Paternity Leave Payment
One frequent concern among new fathers is when they will receive their paternity leave salary. Under UAE Labour Law, employees should receive their salary for the leave period as part of their regular monthly payment. There is no separate payment process for paternity leave salary.
The calculation of paternity leave salary includes basic salary and fixed allowances but typically excludes variable components like overtime or performance bonuses. If you have questions about what is included in your leave salary calculation, consult your HR department or employment contract.
Employees cannot receive compensation in lieu of taking paternity leave. The leave is meant to be taken as time off, not converted to a monetary payment. If you do not use your paternity leave within the allowed period, the entitlement simply lapses.
International Comparison of Paternity Leave
Understanding how UAE paternity leave compares to other countries provides useful context for employees and employers alike. The UAE’s five-day paternity leave for private sector employees is relatively modest compared to some Western nations but represents a significant advancement for the Middle East region.
In contrast, Sweden offers parents 480 days of shared parental leave, with each parent entitled to 240 days. Norway provides fathers with 15 weeks of paid paternity leave at full pay. The United States has no federal mandate for paid paternity leave, though the Family and Medical Leave Act provides up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave.
Within the Gulf region, the UAE leads in paternity leave provisions. Saudi Arabia recently introduced three days of paternity leave, while other GCC countries generally have limited or no statutory paternity leave. The UAE’s policy reflects its positioning as a modern, family-friendly business destination.
Future of Paternity Leave in the UAE
The UAE continues to evolve its labour laws to support modern families and workplace equality. The introduction of paternity leave in 2020 was part of broader reforms that included enhanced maternity leave, flexible working arrangements, and other family-friendly policies.
Industry observers anticipate that paternity leave entitlements may be extended in future legislative updates, following global trends toward more generous parental leave policies. Companies that offer enhanced paternity leave today may be ahead of future regulatory requirements.
The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated conversations about work-life balance and family support in the workplace. These discussions may influence future policy developments in the UAE, potentially leading to expanded paternity leave or the introduction of additional family-related leave categories.
Frequently Asked Questions
Conclusion
Understanding your paternity leave rights in the UAE is essential for every working father expecting a child. The UAE’s progressive approach to parental leave, as the first Arab nation to mandate paid paternity leave for private sector employees, reflects the country’s commitment to supporting modern families and promoting work-life balance.
Whether you work in the private sector under Federal Labour Law, in the government sector, or in the DIFC or ADGM free zones, you have statutory rights to paid time off to bond with your newborn and support your partner during this transformative time. Use our UAE Paternity Leave Calculator above to quickly determine your exact entitlements and calculate your leave salary.
Remember to plan ahead, communicate with your employer, and document everything to ensure a smooth leave experience. Congratulations on your growing family, and best wishes as you embrace the rewarding journey of fatherhood.