Recent discussions at a Federal National Council (FNC) virtual session shed light on how workplace policies directly influence family planning decisions in the UAE. The session, which drew approximately 100 participants including healthcare professionals, researchers, and parents, highlighted critical factors affecting fertility rates in the country.
Work-Life Balance: A Critical Factor
Private sector mothers in the UAE face significant challenges with current maternity leave provisions. While public sector employees receive up to 90 days of maternity leave, private sector workers typically get only 60 days. This disparity has prompted calls for reform from working mothers across the emirates.
“Extended working hours make it difficult for women to consider having more children,” says Dubai resident Fatima Al Zarouni. She emphasises that many working mothers cannot depend solely on domestic help and need more support from their employers.
Key Challenges Identified
The virtual consultation revealed several pressing issues:
- Limited maternity leave duration affecting physical and psychological well-being
- Extended working hours reducing quality time with children
- Rising financial pressures on families
- Medical concerns, including pre-marriage thyroid conditions
- Social media’s impact on marriage perspectives
Government Response
The UAE government has recently implemented several measures to support families:
- Establishment of the Ministry for Family Affairs
- Extended maternity leave provisions in Abu Dhabi
- Launch of specialised family support programmes in Dubai
Healthcare Perspectives
Medical professionals at the session highlighted pre-existing health conditions as significant factors affecting fertility. They noted that many women require medical interventions due to thyroid and related health issues before marriage, which can delay conception.
FNC’s Role in Policy Development
FNC member Naema Al Sharhan outlined the council’s commitment to addressing these concerns: “Our role at FNC is to communicate your viewpoints to the government and examine relevant laws and legislation.”
Looking Forward
The session’s outcomes suggest that improving workplace policies, particularly in the private sector, could positively impact fertility rates. Recommended changes include:
- Extending private sector maternity leave
- Introducing flexible working hours for mothers
- Implementing remote work options
- Providing additional family support measures
Expert Recommendations
Healthcare specialists and policy experts suggest that aligning private sector maternity benefits with public sector standards could help create a more supportive environment for working mothers and potentially influence fertility rates positively.
The FNC continues to gather feedback and examine potential policy changes to better support UAE families while maintaining economic productivity and growth.
JobXDubai 
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