Starting January 1, 2026, a landmark human resources law has significantly enhanced support for fathers working within Abu Dhabi's government sector. Under the new Human Resources Law No. 8 of 2025, paternity leave has been doubled from three days to a six-day baseline. For fathers welcoming twins or multiple births, this allowance is even more substantial, reaching up to 16 days. These provisions position Abu Dhabi’s public sector workers as some of the best-supported employees in the nation, outpacing the standard five-day leave typically found in federal and private sector roles.

Beyond paternity leave, the legislation introduces a comprehensive suite of 15 leave categories and emphasizes flexible, remote work arrangements to help staff better manage family life. Whether caring for newborns, school-aged children, or aging relatives, employees now have greater autonomy to balance their professional and personal obligations. This initiative aligns perfectly with the UAE’s "Year of Family 2026" agenda, serving as a practical demonstration of the government's commitment to strengthening family bonds and fostering a supportive work-life balance for all government employees.