The Parent-friendly Label (PFL) is a UAE-wide voluntary workplace award program that allows organizations operating in the country within the semi-governmental, private and third sectors, the opportunity to earn a label in recognition of their commitment to a supportive work culture and policies which ultimately impact children of 0-8 years old. A large number of organizations across the UAE have already started their journey towards becoming a parent-friendly workplace.
Since 2021, the Parent-friendly Label has positively impacted 311,000+ employees across the UAE, and more than 1 million worldwide.
Cycle 4 is open. Earn the Parent-friendly Label for your workplace.
Applications close July 31, 2026; join the organizations shaping the future of work in the UAE.
Download Applicant Handbook
Download Applicant Handbook (Government)
What is the Parent Friendly-Label?
The Parent-friendly Label helps to:
Promote UAE as a parent-friendly place to work.
Encourage the adoption of a parent-friendly workplace culture, policies, facilities and ways of working.
Benefits of Parent-friendly policies
Parent-friendly policies are not just good for families; they are an enabler of social development, and a driver of institutional productivity.
Caregiving as a shared responsibility
82% of mothers surveyed in the UAE felt supported to take their full maternity leave, and 74% of fathers were actively encouraged by managers to take paternity leave; normalizing care as a responsibility shared by both parents from a child's earliest days.
Level 1: Parent-friendly Label
Workplaces in UAE that exceed local requirements and standards.
OR
Level 2: Parent-friendly+
Workplaces in UAE that meet or exceed global leading policies and practices.
311,000+
Supporting 311,000+ employees across the UAE since the launch of the Parent-friendly Label program in 2021.
Press Releases: News and Success Stories of the Parent-friendly Label
Stay abreast of the latest press releases showcasing organizations that have adeptly implemented Parent-friendly policies and exemplary practices. Uncover the transformative impact of Parent-friendly Label success stories on workplaces throughout the UAE.
Abu Dhabi Early Childhood Authority launches Cycle-4 of Parent friendly Label, strengthening programme’s impact across UAE
The Abu Dhabi Early Childhood Authority (ECA) has announced the launch of the fourth cycle of its Parent-friendly Label (PFL), the UAE-wide voluntary workplace award programme that recognises organisations within the semi-government, private and third sectors for their commitment to a supportive work culture and policies. The programme will welcome applications from 2 February to 31 July 2026.
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Abu Dhabi Early Childhood Authority's Parent-Friendly Label champions family-centric workplace culture
The Abu Dhabi Early Childhood Authority's Parent-Friendly Label (PFL) programme stands as a benchmark for how institutions and employers can actively contribute to advancing a shift towards family-friendly work environments.
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Abu Dhabi Early Childhood Authority launches the Second PFL Impact Report
The Abu Dhabi Early Childhood Authority (ECA), the Authority launched today the second Parent-friendly Label (PFL) Impact Report, Thriving Through Talent: How parent-friendly policies drive balance, growth, and global competitiveness.
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From First Steps to Thriving Societies: ECA Launches Their Early Years Matter Campaign
The Abu Dhabi Early Childhood Authority (ECA) has launched Their Early Years Matter Campaign, to raise awareness about the importance of the early years of life, from conception to the age of eight.
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Abu Dhabi expands early childhood drive to strengthen family bonds
Initiative promotes child development and parental involvement through activities across Abu Dhabi, Al Ain and Al Dhafra
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An initiative launched by the "Khalifa Award" on the sidelines of Abu Dhabi Early Childhood Week “Khalifa for Children’s Storytelling Creativity” aims to discover promising
The General Secretariat of the Khalifa Award for Education one of the Erth Zayed Philanthropies institutions, announced the launch of the “Khalifa Children’s Creativity Storytelling Competition”
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“Al Nokhatha Al Sagheer”: Abu Dhabi Maritime Sports Academy and ECA to Inspire Children to Connect with the UAE’s Maritime Heritage During Abu Dhabi Early Childhood Week 2025
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ECA and Hub71 Partner to Advance Innovation for Children through Integration of Anjal Z into Hub71’s Access Program
Collaboration will accelerate early-childhood and health-tech startups with pilot funding, reinforcing Abu Dhabi’s position as a global hub for family-focused innovation.
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How parent-friendly policies are driving UAE's global competitiveness
Over the past four years, the United Arab Emirates has established a pioneering model for transforming values into practical workplace practices, setting a benchmark in shaping public policies.
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Under the Patronage of HH Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Play, Learn, Connect: Abu Dhabi Gears Up for Early Childhood Week with Emirate-Wide Family Experiences and Activities
Partners and calendar of experiences and activities revealed for Abu Dhabi Early Childhood Week 2025
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Supporting breastfeeding: A business standard or employee perk in UAE?
Breastfeeding support in the workplace is becoming a game-changer for UAE businesses
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ECA’s Parent-Friendly Label sets higher bar as more UAE employers adopt family-first policies
The UAE is seeing a shift in workplace culture as more employers expand parental leave, flexible hours, and support for families of children of determination.
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Return to five-day week in the office is 'inevitable', UAE employment experts say
It is only a matter of time before most companies in the UAE discard remote options and ask for staff to be based solely in the office during the working week, experts have said.
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Parent-friendly Label earners celebrate achievement, praise leadership support for family
Leaders of the 12 local and global organisations who earned the Parent-friendly Label (PFL) in its 3rd Cycle have expressed deep gratitude and praise for the UAE leadership’s support for driving a nation-wide shift toward family-centric work environments.
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Abu Dhabi Early Childhood Authority reveals recipients of Parent-Friendly Label in its 3rd cycle
Abu Dhabi Early Childhood Authority has revealed the recipients of the Parent-Friendly Label (PFL) in its 3rd cycle.
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UAE President honours institutions awarded ‘Parent-Friendly Label’
President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has affirmed the UAE's steadfast commitment to supporting family stability and cohesion, describing the family as the foundation of a strong society.
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Abu Dhabi Early Childhood Authority Launches Its Parent-friendly Label Program for a Third Cycle -
The application window is open from February 27 to September 2, 2024 Organizations in the private sector, semi-government and third sector are eligible to apply to earn the Parent-friendly Label. […]
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Abu Dhabi Early Childhood Authority Launches New Parent-Friendly Label Initiative -
Under the patronage and in the presence of HH Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of Abu Dhabi Crown Prince’s Court and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi […]
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THIRD CYCLE OF PARENT-FRIENDLY LABEL APPLICATION RECORDS 57% INCREASE IN BENEFITING WORKING PARENTS -
Abu Dhabi, UAE – September 23, 2024: In a new testament of shifting tides towards empowering the UAE’s working parents, the Abu Dhabi Early Childhood Authority (ECA)’s Parent-friendly Label™ (PFL) […]
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The Abu Dhabi Early Childhood Authority (ECA) is a government entity, based in Abu Dhabi, that supports holistic early childhood development. We do this by developing policies and laws, informing decision-making through research and transforming behavior.
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