UAE’S GENDER EQUALITY IN WORK

Here are some of the progressive steps that have been taken by the country:

The UAE has a flexible work environment for all employees, which includes working mothers caring for young children. The Federal Decree Law No. (49) of 2022 enables staff the option of part-time, temporary, flexible, and full-time employment patterns. This will enable working mothers to balance childcare with their work responsibilities.

Circular No. (2) of 2022 allows federal government employees to work remotely on Fridays, which would be a boon for working mothers as they can spend time with their children while also meeting deadlines. A framework for work flexibility in the UAE is scheduled to be launched for use by federal authorities.

The government of the UAE adopted a four-and-a-half-day working week in January 2022 after it was found to be effective at many business establishments in Europe. Employees can work full-time from Monday to Thursday and take a half day on Fridays.

Around January 2022, Sharjah introduced a four-day week, which proved to be successful. From 1

July, the UAE switched to a four-day week for federal government employees. Staff can complete their required weekly hours in four days if their employers agree. During the working days, they are not to work more than 10 hours a day or 40 hours per week.

The Federal Decree Law No 49 on Human Resources Law in the Federal Government allows women employees, who hold permanent positions, to be granted maternity leave of three months with full salary.

For six months from the date of an employee resuming work, she is entitled to two hours of reduced working hours either at the beginning or at the end of the working hours, to nurse her child. Such breaks are fully paid for.