The General Pension and Social Security Authority (GPSSA) has reaffirmed the UAE’s commitment to empowering Emirati women by granting them enhanced pension rights under Federal Law No. 57 of 2023.
The law allows Emirati mothers to take up to three years of leave to care for their children while continuing to contribute towards their pension to secure a substantial end-of-service benefit.
The UAE’s leadership continues to prioritize women's participation across all sectors, recognizing their vital role in national development—a vision originally championed by the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. The revised pension law offers additional provisions for female breadwinners, particularly widows, who can now merge their pension with that of their deceased spouse. Furthermore, pension distribution has been adjusted to increase widows’ entitlements: if a widow has more than one child, she receives 40% of the pension, while 40% is allocated to the children, and 20% to the parents of the deceased.
The law also reduces the age and contribution period for married, divorced, or widowed women with children who have contributed for at least 30 years. For instance, an Emirati mother’s contribution period is reduced by two years per child from the fifth to sixth child and 3.5 years per child from the seventh onwards.
Additionally, Emirati women continue to benefit from the right to purchase up to 10 years of service, while men are limited to five. Pension distribution remains gender-equal, with daughters receiving the same entitlements as sons. The law ensures that, contrary to misconceptions, a woman's pension is distributed to her eligible family members, just as a man’s would be.
These reforms reinforce the UAE’s unwavering support for Emirati women, strengthening their financial security and role in the nation’s progress.
News Source: Emirates News Agency
