How much paternity leave do fathers get in the UAE?

5 working days of paid parental leave in the private sector.

Must I take it straight after the birth?

No. You can use it any time until your child is 6 months old.

Is UAE paternity leave paid?

Yes, the government guidance describes it as paid leave.

Does it apply to government employees?

Government-sector employees have separate rules.

Paternity Leave in the United Arab Emirates

Fathers working in the UAE private sector get 5 working days of paid parental leave in the first 6 months.

Last updated: 13 November 2026

Country / Region

5 working days of paid parental leave, usable until the child is 6 months old.

Source: u.ae – Types of leave (private sector)

Employment Type

Leave Calculation Method

Expected Baby Due Date

Planned Leave Start Date (optional)

Defaults to the due date.

Employer-Provided Leave

Work Schedule

Pay Estimate (optional)

Add your salary to see how much you'll be paid during your leave. Leave it empty to calculate dates only.

Gross Salary (AED)

Pay Frequency

Government / statutory pay per week (if any)

Pay rules for United Arab Emirates (private sector) aren't built in yet — enter the weekly amount from your country guide or benefits office.

Employer Pays (% of salary)

For How Many Weeks

Your results will appear here

Fill in your details and press calculate to see your leave dates, notice deadlines and pay estimate.

United Arab Emirates paternity leave at a glance

A father employed in the federal private sector gets 5 working days of paid parental leave within the first 6 months after the birth.

Leave length: 5 working days.
When to take it: From the birth until the child is 6 months old.
Pay: Paid leave, according to UAE government guidance.
Who qualifies: A private-sector employee who is the baby's father. Mothers have the same parental-leave right.
Self-employed fathers: This is an employee right; self-employed fathers are not covered.

Parental leave on top of paternity leave

Government-sector employees and free zones may have separate rules.

Good to know

This page covers the federal private-sector rules only.
The calculator converts 5 working days to 7 calendar days.

Legal entitlement vs employer benefits

The rules above are the legal minimum in the United Arab Emirates. Many employers offer extra paid days or top up statutory pay. Add any employer leave in the calculator above to see your real return-to-work date, and confirm the details with your HR team. To compare pay over the weeks you take off, try the paternity pay calculator.

Official sources

u.ae – Types of leave in the private sector

Frequently asked questions

Editorial note: we summarise official government guidance and link to it. Laws change — always confirm your entitlement with your employer or the relevant authority. This page is not legal advice.