As part of a progressive effort to raise the welfare of the family, His Highness Dr. Sheikh Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Ruler of Sharjah and Member of the Supreme Council, has authorized the adoption of a new kind of leave for female employees entitled “Care Leave.” The caring policy follows regular maternity leave and is issued solely to mothers who deliver a child with complications to their health.
The move, made by way of Sharjah’s official announcements, reflects the emirate’s dedication to empowering working mothers through challenging emotional and physical situations. Care Leave will grant longer leave periods to mothers whose newborns are in need of acute and extended medical treatment so that they may stay close to their child’s side at the most critical early phases without having to worry about rushing back into the workforce.
This historic move embodies Sharjah’s continued commitment to family-friendly policies and creates a new benchmark for workplace rights throughout the UAE. Government departments and organizations throughout the emirate will be required to apply the leave policy in compliance with local labor laws, implementing it smoothly and making it accessible to qualifying staff.
Sharjah has been pioneering social development and workers’ welfare in the UAE for a long time. By introducing Care Leave, the emirate not only becomes a proponent of mother’s health but also reaffirms its commitment to work-life balance and humane governance. The decision is likely to trigger similar policy decisions in other emirates and private institutions as well, pointing to a more extensive movement towards people-friendly practices in the workpl
