Latest: UAE's parental leave law to pave way for more family time and home working
Private-sector workers are now entitled to more parental leave after an order from President Sheikh Khalifa on Sunday.
Under the new law, private companies should give male and female employees five days of paid parental leave, to be taken within six months of the child's birth.
Previously, UAE law did not require private sector companies to provide the leave to male staff, although companies could include paid paternity leave at their discretion.
Male public sector workers are given three days off after the birth of a child. It is unclear if Sunday's ruling also applies to government workers.
We are pushing for longer paternity leave so that a father can spend more time with his baby
Currently, women working in government departments in the UAE are given 90 days of paid leave. Depending on the emirate, they are allowed more time in unpaid leave.
Women working in the private sector are entitled to 45 days of full pay for maternity leave, provided they have served continuously for at least a year.
Maternity leave is paid with half pay if a year of service has yet to be completed.
At the end of the maternity leave, the new mom can extend her leave without pay for a maximum of 10 days.
For the first 18 months after delivery, women are given two paid rest intervals a day, not exceeding 30 minutes, to nurse the baby.
The new law also provides women with an additional five days paid leave too.
The move aims to strengthen the UAE's position in gender balance and encourage work in the private sector, reported state news agency Wam.
It is said to be a regional first.
Saudi Arabia's labour law stipulates that men are entitled to three days of paternity leave but it is unclear if this also applies to private-sector workers.
Lebanon also offers three days of paid paternity leave but this is rarely followed.
Countries including Kuwait, Bahrain, Iraq, Jordan, Syria and Qatar do not provide paternal leave. Iran gives fathers two weeks.
In February, Mona Al Marri, vice president of the UAE Gender Balance Council, told The National that it was studying legislation from Scandinavian countries – regarded as global leaders in gender equality – to provide direction for local laws.
“Right now, [paternity leave] is only three days. We are pushing for longer paternity leave so that a father can spend more time with his baby,” Ms Al Marri had said at the time.
The UAE has taken great strides to encourage the retention of female staff in the workplace.
On-site childcare centres have allowed parents to bring their children into the office and ensure they are cared for while mothers and fathers work.
In 2018, a law ensuring women are paid an equal wage to their male colleagues was approved by the UAE Cabinet.
____________
Gallery: Children return to school around the UAE
Read more: Back to school: Why some parents chose not to send their children to class
UAE squad
Esha Oza (captain), Al Maseera Jahangir, Emily Thomas, Heena Hotchandani, Indhuja Nandakumar, Katie Thompson, Lavanya Keny, Mehak Thakur, Michelle Botha, Rinitha Rajith, Samaira Dharnidharka, Siya Gokhale, Sashikala Silva, Suraksha Kotte, Theertha Satish (wicketkeeper) Udeni Kuruppuarachchige, Vaishnave Mahesh.
UAE tour of Zimbabwe
All matches in Bulawayo
Friday, Sept 26 – First ODI
Sunday, Sept 28 – Second ODI
Tuesday, Sept 30 – Third ODI
Thursday, Oct 2 – Fourth ODI
Sunday, Oct 5 – First T20I
Monday, Oct 6 – Second T20I
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
AUSTRALIA SQUAD v SOUTH AFRICA
Aaron Finch (capt), Shaun Marsh, Travis Head, Chris Lynn, Glenn Maxwell, D'Arcy Short, Marcus Stoinis, Alex Carey, Ashton Agar, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, Pat Cummins, Nathan Coulter-Nile, Adam Zampa
Profile of RentSher
Started: October 2015 in India, November 2016 in UAE
Founders: Harsh Dhand; Vaibhav and Purvashi Doshi
Based: Bangalore, India and Dubai, UAE
Sector: Online rental marketplace
Size: 40 employees
Investment: $2 million
Joy%20Ride%20
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EDirector%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Adele%20Lim%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EStars%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EAshley%20Park%2C%20Sherry%20Cola%2C%20Stephanie%20Hsu%2C%20Sabrina%20Wu%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ERating%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E4%2F5%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
The specs
Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo
Power: 261hp at 5,500rpm
Torque: 405Nm at 1,750-3,500rpm
Transmission: 9-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 6.9L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh117,059
The National's picks
4.35pm: Tilal Al Khalediah
5.10pm: Continous
5.45pm: Raging Torrent
6.20pm: West Acre
7pm: Flood Zone
7.40pm: Straight No Chaser
8.15pm: Romantic Warrior
8.50pm: Calandogan
9.30pm: Forever Young
BMW M5 specs
Engine: 4.4-litre twin-turbo V-8 petrol enging with additional electric motor
Power: 727hp
Torque: 1,000Nm
Transmission: 8-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 10.6L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh650,000
Abu Dhabi World Pro 2019 remaining schedule:
Wednesday April 24: Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship, 11am-6pm
Thursday April 25: Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship, 11am-5pm
Friday April 26: Finals, 3-6pm
Saturday April 27: Awards ceremony, 4pm and 8pm
Three trading apps to try
Sharad Nair recommends three investment apps for UAE residents:
- For beginners or people who want to start investing with limited capital, Mr Nair suggests eToro. “The low fees and low minimum balance requirements make the platform more accessible,” he says. “The user interface is straightforward to understand and operate, while its social element may help ease beginners into the idea of investing money by looking to a virtual community.”
- If you’re an experienced investor, and have $10,000 or more to invest, consider Saxo Bank. “Saxo Bank offers a more comprehensive trading platform with advanced features and insight for more experienced users. It offers a more personalised approach to opening and operating an account on their platform,” he says.
- Finally, StashAway could work for those who want a hands-off approach to their investing. “It removes one of the biggest challenges for novice traders: picking the securities in their portfolio,” Mr Nair says. “A goal-based approach or view towards investing can help motivate residents who may usually shy away from investment platforms.”
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Company Profile
Name: Thndr
Started: 2019
Co-founders: Ahmad Hammouda and Seif Amr
Sector: FinTech
Headquarters: Egypt
UAE base: Hub71, Abu Dhabi
Current number of staff: More than 150
Funds raised: $22 million
