Baker McKenzie has enhanced its parental leave policies in the UAE, offering extended leave for mothers and fathers.
Previously the firm’s leave entitlement was in line with DIFC employment laws, so this marks a major shift for the firm.
The new policy offers extended leave to mothers who have completed at least one year of continuous service with the firm, providing them up to 52 weeks’ leave, 26 weeks of which is at full pay.
Similarly, fathers are eligible for an enhanced paternity leave of up to six weeks at full pay.
The policy is applicable to all employees in the firm’s UAE offices, in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, effective January 1.
Borys Dackiw, managing partner of Baker McKenzie in the UAE, said: “Our extended parent leave policy reflects our commitment to creating a workplace that prioritises the wellbeing of our employees and champions gender diversity. By increasing maternity and paternity leave we aim to provide essential support to our employees during this significant life event.”
Keri Watkins, co-chair of the firm’s inclusion, diversity & equity committee in the UAE, added: “This progressive approach to parent leave aligns with our broader commitment to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace. By providing comprehensive support to new parents, we aim to create an environment that enables everyone to thrive both professionally and personally.”
Mothers working in the UAE private sector are entitled to leave of 60 days, out of which 45 days is at full pay and the remainder on half pay.
Those who work in the Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) or the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), which are independent free zones with their own employment rules and regulations, are entitled to a minimum of 65 days of maternity leave, with the first 33 days at full pay and the remainder on half pay.
Fathers working in the UAE private sector and free zones are entitled to five days paid leave.
In March, Baker McKenzie partnered with Jumeirah English Speaking School (JESS Jumeirah) to advance its ‘period empowerment project’ on International Women’s Day.
