The UAE is exploring major policy changes that would prioritize remote and flexible working arrangements for working mothers and caregivers nationwide.
During a session on January 21, members of the Federal National Council (FNC) emphasized the need for flexible work policies, particularly for mothers and other priority groups, as part of broader discussions on family protection, social stability, and work-life balance.
The proposals aim to make remote and flexible work accessible to those with significant caregiving responsibilities. This includes mothers of children under 10, caregivers of elderly parents, persons of determination, and individuals in special humanitarian cases.
The FNC has not specified whether the policies would apply to public sector employees, private sector workers, or both.
Mariam Majid Bin Thania, Second Deputy Speaker of the FNC and Chairperson of the Committee on Social Affairs, Labour, Population and Human Resources, highlighted the importance of mothers’ presence during a child’s early years.
“We affirm the importance of the mother’s presence alongside her children in the early stages of their lives, especially children with special needs and children under the age of ten, as well as women who care for their parents at home,” she said.
Bin Thania noted that the Council’s previous recommendations have consistently called for flexible and remote work to be prioritized for these groups, emphasizing that such arrangements enable women to balance professional duties with family responsibilities without limiting their contributions to national development.
“The balance between a woman’s work and her home is an important demand, and this is evident from the policy pursued by the Ministry of Family since its establishment,” she added, underlining that working mothers remain vital to the UAE’s development, whether in offices or remotely.
Alongside remote work proposals, the FNC recommended extending maternity leave in the government sector to a minimum of 98 fully paid days, aligning with global best practices.
The recommendations were discussed as part of the Family Protection and the Concept of the Family Unit report, prepared by the Committee on Social Affairs, Labour, Population and Human Resources, and attended by Minister of Family Affairs, Sana bint Mohammed Suhail.
