The UAE's recent initiatives to support families, including the creation of a Ministry for Family Affairs, are raising hopes among mothers for reduced work hours, remote working options, and extended maternity leave.
Many mothers say long working hours and rising living costs discourage them from having larger families. Dubai resident Fatima Al Zarouni called on private companies to reduce working hours and increase maternity leave, adding, “Managing work, children, and household responsibilities is very challenging.”
Abu Dhabi’s Amina Al Alalawi highlighted the pressure on dual-income households. “When work ends at 5 PM, there’s no energy left for family time or helping children,” she said.
New Policies to Support Families
The UAE has launched several programmes to help families, including:
- A Ministry for Family Affairs to develop policies for family stability.
- The Sheikha Hind bint Maktoum Family Programme in Dubai, offering flexible work policies and financial support.
- Extended maternity leave for Emirati women in the private sector in Abu Dhabi, providing financial support during leave.
Dr. Fayeza Alrais, a consultant in Obstetrics & Gynecology, suggested that remote work options could also boost fertility rates by reducing work-related stress.
Challenges Remain
Despite the new initiatives, many mothers feel the pressures of balancing work and family life. Rising living costs and limited support for private-sector employees remain significant hurdles.
The new policies aim to address these concerns and empower families, helping mothers better manage their responsibilities and encouraging larger families in the UAE.
