UAE Considers Remote Work for Mothers with Children Under 10

Working moms in the UAE could soon get more flexibility at work. The Federal National Council (FNC) has proposed remote work and flexible hours for mothers with children under 10, as part of a broader push to support families and improve work-life balance.

The proposal was discussed during an FNC session on January 21, focusing on family protection, social stability, and modern workplace policies.

Remote and Flexible Work on the Table

Council members urged that remote and flexible work arrangements be prioritised—and possibly made mandatory—for specific groups. These include:

• Mothers with children under 10

• Caregivers for elderly parents

• People of determination and special humanitarian cases

It’s still unclear whether the proposal would apply to the public sector, private sector, or both.

Why the Council Is Pushing for Change

Maryam Majid Bin Thania, second deputy speaker of the FNC, stressed that a mother’s presence during a child’s early years is crucial—especially for children with special needs.

She also highlighted that remote work should be treated as equal to office-based work, noting that working mothers remain a key part of the UAE’s national development, whether they work on-site or from home.

Government Says Policies Are in Progress

Responding to the proposal, Minister of Family Sana bint Mohammed Suhail confirmed that flexible work policies are already being discussed internally.

She pointed to the National Agenda for Family Growth, adopted in November 2025, which focuses on balancing work and family responsibilities. The agenda already includes initiatives for mothers with disabilities and young children.

The ministry is also reviewing how to expand the Quality Mark Program, a scheme that encourages parent-supportive work environments in the private sector, with plans to extend it to government entities.

More Family-Friendly Ideas on the Table

Additional proposals raised during the session include:

• Allowing federal government employees to leave work at noon, with a small salary deduction

• Offering incentives like tax breaks or reduced fees to encourage private companies to adopt family-friendly policies

• Enforcing long-standing plans to introduce workplace nurseries across the UAE

While nothing has been finalised yet, the message from lawmakers is clear: workplaces need to better reflect family life in today’s UAE.