Sharjah has introduced a new maternity leave policy within the emirate’s government employment framework. This newly approved “Care Leave” is designed specifically for working mothers who have given birth to children with disabilities or chronic illnesses.
The 1-year paid leave can be extended up to three years under certain conditions, which further cements Sharjah’s status as a leader in advancing family-oriented and women-empowering policies.
Sharjah now joins leading cities worldwide offering flexible and long-term paid government leave, positioning itself at the forefront of progressive global cities prioritizing support for working mothers, and enhancing the community’s quality of life.
Leave to begin as one year of fully paid time off
Sharjah’s new maternity leave initiative follows a two-year study that NAMA Women Advancement (NAMA) conducted. The study included reviewing federal and local regulations and policies and focused on identifying and addressing the needs of working mothers facing overwhelming caregiving responsibilities due to their children’s medical conditions.
Based on its findings, the study offered a recommendation in collaboration with the Sharjah City for Humanitarian Services to introduce leave solutions that strike a balance between professional obligations and family care requirements.
H.E. Abdullah Ibrahim Al Zaabi, chairman of Sharjah Human Resources Department, announced the new directive, noting that Sharjah’s new maternity leave initiative is a legal and legislative pathway under the emirate’s Human Resources Law, effective from May 5, 2025.
It will be granted following maternity leave based on a certified medical report issued by the relevant authority. Al Zaabi added that it begins as one year of fully paid time off and can be extended for up to three years with government approval, contingent on annual health assessments of the child.
Leave may be extended beyond three years
The leave will be suspended if the child’s health improves or upon reassessment by the authorized medical authority. It may also be extended beyond three years with approval from the Higher Committee for Human Resources if deemed necessary. The leave will be counted towards the employee’s years of service and will be subject to the established performance appraisal systems.
This decision further reinforces Sharjah’s reputation as a supportive environment for families and a progressive destination for working mothers. It marks a meaningful step in the emirate’s continued efforts to create inclusive, flexible workplaces that recognize and accommodate the multiple roles women play, upholding the highest standards of social responsibility and sustainable development.
