Am I entitled to breastfeeding breaks after maternity leave in the UAE?

Yes. Under the UAE Labour Law (Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021), a mother who returns to work after maternity leave is entitled to paid nursing breaks during the working day to breastfeed her child. These breaks are granted for a defined period following the birth and are treated as part of working hours, meaning they are paid and should not reduce your salary. The purpose is to let new mothers continue breastfeeding while returning to employment. To use this right, it is sensible to agree the timing of the breaks with your employer so they fit around the workday, and to keep a note of the arrangement. The entitlement is in addition to your maternity leave, not a substitute for it. If your employer refuses to provide nursing breaks or tries to dock your pay for taking them, you can raise the issue with the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE). For help confirming your specific entitlement and timeframe, you can consult verified UAE legal professionals on LEXAI.