UAE companies defy norm by offering extended paternity leave to support new fathers

In a progressive move towards supporting new fathers, companies across the UAE are extending paternity leave and enhancing their HR policies to provide more assistance to dads during the crucial early stages of parenthood. This shift reflects a growing recognition of the importance of fatherhood and the need for more inclusive workplace practices.

Under UAE labor law, fathers are entitled to five working days off for paternity leave. However, many companies are going above and beyond this requirement to offer extended leave options. One such company is the Chalhoub Group, a luxury goods retailer, which recently announced an extension of paternity leave from 14 to 30 calendar days in eight countries, including the UAE. This move places Chalhoub Group among the top 10% of organizations in the region for parental leave benefits and earned it the Parent-friendly Label by the Abu Dhabi Early Childhood Authority.

Wassim Eid, the group’s president of people and culture, emphasized the importance of supporting employees in both their professional and personal lives. By implementing parent-friendly policies, companies like Chalhoub Group aim to attract top talent from the region and around the world while also fostering a supportive work environment for all employees.

Research has shown that fathers taking time off work to care for a newborn can have positive effects on bonding, the baby’s development, and the parents’ relationship. A study by UN Women found high support for expanded paternity leave policies in the Middle East and North Africa, with 76% of men surveyed expressing a desire to spend more time with their children.

Viachelsav Shakhov, a managing partner at GCC recruitment agency Cooper Fitch, highlighted the impact of paternity leave policies on employee engagement and the overall business. While leave duration is important, Shakhov noted that flexible work arrangements and other non-financial benefits also play a significant role in supporting new fathers.

Richard Stillgoe, HR director at WSP Middle East, shared his personal experience of taking paternity leave and emphasized the need for more support for new fathers. WSP Middle East has extended its paternity leave policy to 10 working days and offers additional remote-working weeks to help fathers balance work and family responsibilities.

S&P Global, a US financial information and analytics company, stands out for offering 26 weeks of paid parental leave globally, making it a leader in the region for such policies. The company also provides flexible work arrangements, health and well-being programs, and resources tailored to parents to support their transition into parenthood.

Overall, the trend towards extended paternity leave and enhanced support for new fathers in the workplace reflects a broader shift towards more inclusive and family-friendly policies. By recognizing the importance of fatherhood and providing the necessary support, companies in the UAE are not only benefiting their employees but also contributing to national development and employee engagement.