Abstract
In the light of progress and advancement, societies have come a long way in advocating for the rights of women to work, maternity leave, and career development. Even traditional and stringent societies have seen an influx of women entering various professions. Mothers often play a pivotal role in households, and their decision to return to work can have significant implications for multiple stakeholders. This decision often leads to an identity dilemma, where the combination of work and maternity confuses a mother.
The unique context of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), shaped by both modern progressive values and stringent traditional and religious expectations, provides a compelling backdrop for this study. The purpose of this study is to explore the identity dilemma that UAE native mothers face as they navigate between their roles as mothers and professionals, considering the intersectionality of religion, culture, and family dynamics. This is an on-going developing study which will employ a qualitative methodology to gain in-depth insights into the experiences and challenges of these mothers.