Can my employer terminate me while I am pregnant or on maternity leave in the UAE?

UAE Labour Law (Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021) protects working women around pregnancy and maternity and prohibits dismissal connected to pregnancy or to taking maternity leave. A female worker is entitled to maternity leave with a defined paid and reduced-pay structure, and an employer is not permitted to terminate her, or serve notice of termination, because she is pregnant or has taken her maternity entitlement. The law also addresses related protections, such as time for nursing after returning to work. If a termination is genuinely unrelated to pregnancy and based on a valid, lawful reason, the ordinary termination rules can still apply, but the employer carries the burden of showing the real reason. A dismissal timed around pregnancy or maternity leave can be challenged as unlawful and may attract compensation in addition to your other dues. Keep your medical records, leave approvals and any termination letter. If you believe you were dismissed because of pregnancy or maternity leave, you can file a complaint with MOHRE and compare verified UAE legal professionals on LEXAI to assess your case.