Sobha Realty Sets New Benchmark with Industry-Leading Maternity Leave Policy

Luxury real estate developer Sobha Realty has announced a major enhancement to its maternity leave policy, granting female employees 120 days of paid leave — double the UAE private sector requirement. The initiative marks a new milestone in corporate well-being and positions Sobha as a trailblazer in employee-centric workplace practices.

Under the UAE Labour Law, maternity leave provisions currently offer 60 days — 45 days fully paid and 15 days at half pay — with optional extensions under specific conditions. Sobha Realty’s new policy far exceeds this legal minimum, offering four full months of leave while maintaining all employment benefits during the period.

The move makes Sobha Realty the first developer in the UAE’s real estate sector to offer such a comprehensive maternity policy. The company said the update reflects its broader commitment to creating an inclusive and supportive work culture, especially for working mothers.

“At Sobha Realty, we believe excellence begins with our people,” said Ravi Menon, Chairman of Sobha Group. “This new maternity policy represents our values in action. It’s about standing beside our employees through life’s key moments and creating a work environment built on compassion, trust, and empowerment.”

The announcement follows Sobha Realty’s recognition as a Great Place to Work® for the second consecutive year, reinforcing its dedication to fostering a people-first corporate culture.

Sobha’s bold step places it ahead of many industry peers. For comparison, Dubai-based Alpha Nero, a retail design and production company, introduced a 70-day paid maternity leave policy in February 2024. The company, which employs women in key leadership roles, was the first SME in the regional manufacturing sector to expand maternity benefits.

Nestlé Middle East also offers progressive policies, providing a minimum of 98 days of paid maternity leave with the potential for extensions and additional support for breastfeeding mothers.

Sobha’s policy highlights a growing trend in the UAE, where companies are increasingly recognizing the importance of inclusive and family-friendly work environments. As firms compete for top talent, such benefits have become a cornerstone of employee satisfaction and retention.

With this initiative, Sobha Realty continues to lead by example, setting a new gold standard for corporate responsibility in the real estate industry and beyond.