Family Life in the UAE : Rules & Facilities for Pregnant Women, Children, and Infants (2026)

Safe, Modern, and Internationally Aligned — Everything Expats Need to Know!

The UAE is renowned for its modern health system, international maternity facilities, and robust protections for families. With clear rules for pregnancy, world-class care for mothers and children, and dedicated travel protocols, expats enjoy peace of mind and comfort during every family milestone. Here’s the must-know guide for living, moving, or traveling in the Emirates as a family in 2025.

Legal & Practical Rules for Pregnancy

• Pregnancy and childbirth in the UAE require that parents be legally married. A marriage certificate must be presented for all medical check-ups and for hospital admission to give birth.
• Home births are not permitted—delivery must occur in a licensed clinic or hospital. Both public and private hospitals offer internationally accredited maternity care, often with luxurious amenities.
• Expats must have valid health insurance covering maternity care. Most policies include prenatal, delivery (natural or C-section), and postnatal services. Note: Some insurance plans may require a 12-month waiting period for maternity coverage.
• Standard documents for hospital admission: mother’s health card, marriage certificate, passports and residence visas of both parents.

Tip: Doctors are generally female for OB-GYN services. Appointments can be booked online, and premium packages include wellness checks, classes, and newborn essentials.

Maternity & Paternity Leave Laws

• Female employees: 60 days maternity leave (45 days full pay, 15 days half pay) in most sectors; government jobs provide up to 90 days paid leave.
• Males (fathers): 5 days paternity leave, plus option to use annual leave for extra time with family.
• Leave can begin up to 30 days before expected delivery for flexibility. It is possible to combine untaken annual leave to extend postnatal recovery.
• Federal Labour Law ensures job protection and guarantees re-entry to the position after maternity leave is taken.

Healthcare & Support Facilities

• Large hospitals (Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah) have dedicated maternity wings with 24/7 support, neonatal intensive care (NICU), and multi-lingual staff.
• Specialized clinics for prenatal and physiotherapy (e.g., Mediclinic, Medcare Women and Children Hospital) offer tailored support from early pregnancy through postpartum recovery.
• Pediatric care includes vaccinations, regular check-ups, nutritional advice, and mental health support—most clinics are internationally aligned and expat-friendly.
• Home physiotherapy and remote care services are available for new mothers needing extra support after C-section or complicated birth.
• UAE is recognized for child-friendly clinics and accredited facilities by WHO and UNICEF.

Travel Rules & Airline Facilities

• Pregnant women can travel by air until 28th week. Between 28–36 weeks, airlines require a "Fit to Fly" certificate from a licensed doctor.
• After 36 weeks, flying is generally not allowed except for medical reasons, with special permission.
• Infants: Under 7 days old, allowed to travel only for emergencies with proper medical forms and authorization.
• Airlines (Emirates, Etihad, Fly Dubai, Air Arabia) provide:
  • Bassinets (free, on request during booking)
  • Priority boarding for families
  • Dedicated crew assistance and baby amenities
• Children below 5 cannot travel alone; ages 5–12 may use 'unaccompanied minor' service (except some low-cost carriers). All minors need parental consent and legal documents.

Spicy Tip: Always request airport assistance—Dubai and Abu Dhabi have family lanes, stroller rental, and quick immigration.

Children’s Health Services & Rights

• Universal pediatric coverage ensures high-standard medical access for all children, including preventive care and routine vaccinations.
• Parents must provide valid insurance, ID, and birth certificates to register children at clinics or hospitals.
• Child healthcare facilities offer multilingual staff, play areas, and nutrition counseling.
• Government initiatives ensure free or subsidized care for children in need, with mental health programs and early disease detection services included.

Tip: Many hospitals host parenting classes, breastfeeding support, and community activities to foster healthy families and friendships.

Traveling with Children & Minors

• New laws (effective April 2025) require strict parental consent for all children traveling abroad—unauthorized travel leads to strict penalties and significant fines.
• Children do not need vaccination certificates or PCR for entry as per current 2025 rules; all COVID/pass requirements have been lifted.
• Children's visa fees are waived for traveling with parents under 18 years.
• All children (expats and residents) are eligible for education, extracurricular activities, and community integration programs in the UAE.

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FAQ – Pregnancy, Kids, and Expats

• Is insurance mandatory for maternity care? Yes, all expats need valid insurance, usually provided by employers or purchased individually.
• Can single women access maternity care? By law, only married women are eligible for official prenatal and delivery care.
• Are home births legal? No, only hospital/clinic births are permitted in the UAE.
• Do children get free healthcare? Expats’ children access care through private insurance; citizens have universal coverage.
• What documents do I need to travel with an infant? Birth certificate, health insurance, parental consent forms, and fit-to-fly certificate if under two weeks old or medical issues.

Bottom Line: UAE – Family-Friendly & Safe

From comprehensive maternal care to children’s health and strict travel protections, the UAE offers international expat families a modern, secure, and welcoming environment for every stage of life. Trust the system, enjoy the facilities, and explore the best of the Emirates with peace of mind and top support at every step.

Article Information:

• Article Length: ~4700 characters
• Internal Links: - Maternity & Pediatric Clinics UAE - Expat Parent Support Groups - Relocation Family Services - UAE Education & Child Activities - Emirati Healthcare Policies
• Last Updated: November 2025
• Category: Family / Healthcare / Travel / Law