Abu Dhabi Enhances Maternity Leave Support for Emirati Women in the Private Sector

Overview of the Maternity Leave Support Programme

The Abu Dhabi Social Support Authority (ADSSA) offers a maternity leave support service under the Emirati Family Growth Support Program. This initiative aligns with Abu Dhabi’s strategy to enhance family quality of life and support Emirati women in balancing professional and family commitments.

Eligible mothers can receive financial support to supplement their salary, enabling up to 90 days of paid maternity leave, which exceeds the federal labour law standard of 60 days. This ensures mothers have sufficient rest and time to care for their newborns.

Eligibility Criteria

To benefit from the programme, the following criteria must be met:

• The mother must be an Emirati woman employed in the UAE private sector.
• She must be registered in her husband’s family book issued by the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.
• A no-objection certificate from the employer is required to extend maternity leave to 90 days.
• Applications must be submitted within 30 days of childbirth (for births after 1 September 2024).
• The Emirates ID of the newborn child must be provided.

Employers should ensure HR teams understand these requirements, particularly regarding documentation and timely submission, to facilitate smooth approval.

Required Documents

To receive financial support, mothers must submit:

1. No-Objection Certificate from the Employer
   • Confirms employer approval for extending maternity leave to 90 days.
   • Must follow the template provided by ADSSA.
2. Certified Salary Certificate
   • Confirms current salary to calculate the maternity leave supplement.
3. IBAN Certificate
   • Provides bank account details to receive financial support directly.

Employers play a key role in issuing these documents correctly and in a timely manner.

Application Process

Eligible mothers apply via the TAMM platform using UAE PASS. The steps include:

1. Log into TAMM using UAE PASS credentials.
2. Submit the application along with all required documents.
3. Receive eligibility confirmation from ADSSA.
4. Receive maternity leave support payments directly into the registered bank account (IBAN).

Employers should be aware that delays or incomplete documentation can result in delayed support for employees.

Advisory for Employers

Integrate Federal and Local Leave Policies

While UAE federal law provides 60 days of paid maternity leave, this Abu Dhabi initiative extends support for Emirati women in the private sector. Employers should integrate this into HR policies to avoid confusion and ensure compliance.

Document Management

Employers must provide no-objection certificates and, if requested, assist with salary verification. Accurate documentation ensures timely receipt of support.

Leverage EOR Support

An Employer of Record (EOR) like Tarmack can help manage:

• Payroll and benefits alignment
• Leave tracking and documentation
• Work permit and HR compliance
• Coordination with employees for application submissions

This ensures a smooth, compliant process for both employers and employees, reducing administrative burden.

Communication with Employees

Clear communication with Emirati employees is essential. Explain the eligibility, documentation requirements, and application steps to ensure mothers can fully utilize the support.

Conclusion

Abu Dhabi’s maternity leave support initiative strengthens family-friendly policies and provides Emirati mothers in the private sector with meaningful financial and time support. Employers who proactively integrate this programme into their HR policies and leverage EOR services can enhance compliance, support employee well-being, and demonstrate commitment to workforce welfare.