Khaleej Times, 16 November 2025: New workplace and civil reforms are being implemented across the United Arab Emirates, introducing significant changes to family-related benefits for government employees ahead of the country’s designated ‘Year of the Family’ in 2026.

UAE has introduced a new Human Resources law offering flexible working hours and remote work options for government employees. The legislation also includes expanded family leave provisions, covering maternity, paternity, marriage, childcare and bereavement leave. Special considerations have been made for pregnant employees and those with five or more children.

Dubai government has established a 10-day fully paid marriage leave for Emirati nationals, effective from early 2025, while Sharjah’s Executive Council has approved an eight-day marriage leave policy. Sharjah has additionally introduced “Care Leave” for female employees who give birth to children requiring special care.

Abu Dhabi has implemented a Civil Family Law for non-Muslim expatriates, establishing secular options for marriage, divorce and custody matters. The emirate maintains a 90-day fully paid maternity leave policy for government employees and has extended adoption leave rights to female employees in specific jurisdictions.

At the federal level, the UAE provides five days of paid parental leave within six months of a child’s birth. Recent Personal Status Law reforms have extended child custody to age 18 and grant children over 15 the right to choose their custodial parent. The legislation also ensures equal travel rights for both parents regarding their children.

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