What maternity leave am I entitled to in the UAE and is my job protected?

You are entitled to sixty days of maternity leave: forty-five days at full pay followed by fifteen days at half pay. If a pregnancy-related illness or a complication affecting the baby requires more time, you may take up to forty-five additional days unpaid, supported by a medical report. After returning to work, you are entitled to a daily paid nursing break for six months. On job security, the law is on your side in principle: dismissing a woman because of pregnancy or maternity leave is prohibited, and pregnancy is not a lawful ground for termination. A restructure that conveniently removes a pregnant employee's role can be challenged if the real reason is the pregnancy, though you would need to pursue it through a MOHRE complaint and potentially the courts. Practical steps now: ask HR to confirm your leave dates and pay in writing, keep copies of any messages hinting that your role is at risk, and hold on to your performance records. Going on leave does not pause your right to complain if something happens while you are away. If a dismissal follows, a licensed UAE labour lawyer can assess a claim quickly while the deadlines are still open.