Private-sector workers are now entitled to more parental leave after an order from President Sheikh Khalifa on Sunday. Under the new law, private companies should give male and female employees five days of paid parental leave, to be taken within six months of the child's birth. Previously, UAE law did not require private sector companies to provide the leave to male staff, although companies could include paid paternity leave at their discretion.Male public sector workers are given three days off after the birth of a child. It is unclear if Sunday's ruling also applies to government workers...The new law also provides women with an additional five days paid leave too.The move aims to strengthen the UAE’s position in gender balance and encourage work in the private sector, reported state news agency Wam.