New marriage leave policy in Dubai: What Emirati government employees need to know

TL;DR

• Emirati government employees in Dubai get 10 working days of paid marriage leave.
  
• The leave applies only if the spouse is also a UAE citizen.
  
• A certified marriage contract dated after Dec 31, 2024 is required.
  
• Leave is flexible, can be split or combined with other leave.
  
• Policy takes effect from January 1, 2025.

In a move that reflects the UAE's ongoing efforts to support its citizens' quality of life and family values, a new decree issued by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister of the UAE, and Ruler of Dubai, grants 10 working days of fully paid marriage leave to Emirati employees working in various government sectors across Dubai. The decree introduces clear eligibility criteria, flexible usage options, and broad applicability across different government and semi-government entities.

The policy, which takes effect from January 1, 2025, focus on employee wellbeing, work-life balance, and support for strong family foundations, aligning with wider national goals around social cohesion and citizen happiness.

Who the Marriage Leave Applies To

The decree, officially titled Decree No. (31) of 2025, applies specifically to UAE nationals employed in various sectors of the Dubai government ecosystem. This includes:

• Government departments in the Emirate of Dubai
  
  
• Judicial authorities
  
  
• Military personnel (excluding candidates)
  
  
• Employees working in free zones and special development zones
  
  
• Institutions such as the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC)
  
  

Additionally, the scope may be expanded in the future to cover other categories, subject to approval by the Chairman of the Executive Council of Dubai. The decree also provides for the issuance of further implementation decisions by the Executive Council to facilitate its rollout across entities.


Eligibility and Conditions

To qualify for marriage leave, Emirati employees must meet specific eligibility conditions as outlined in the decree:

Completion of Probation:
The employee must have successfully completed the probation period, as defined under their organization’s human resources regulations.

Marriage to a UAE Citizen:
The marriage must be to a UAE national, reinforcing the decree’s focus on supporting Emirati families.

Marriage Date Criteria:
The marriage contract must be:

• Certified by a competent authority within the UAE
  
  
• Dated after December 31, 2024
  
  

Documentation:
A certified copy of the marriage contract must be submitted only once when applying for the leave.

How the Leave Can Be Used

The decree provides flexibility in how employees can use their marriage leave:

• The leave may be taken all at once or in separate parts.
  
  
• It must be used within one year from the date of the marriage.
  
  
• It can be combined with other leave types, as per the HR policies of the respective employer.
  
  
• If the employee is unable to take the leave due to national or reserve service, the unused portion may be:
  
  
  • Deferred and used within one year after returning to work.
    
    
  • Extended, if military personnel are called to duty during the leave period.
    
    

Additionally, if an employee transfers to another government department, their unused marriage leave is preserved and remains valid under the new department.

Salary, Leave Protection, and Exceptions

During the marriage leave period, eligible employees will receive their full gross salary, which includes not just base pay but also all allowances and financial benefits specified under their organization’s HR rules. The decree makes it clear that employees on marriage leave cannot be recalled to duty, except in the case of military personnel whose services may be required.

In exceptional situations, where personal circumstances prevent an employee from taking their leave within the year, they may request a deferral to the following year. This is subject to approval by their direct supervisor, and the reasons provided must be valid and compelling.

The decree overrides any previous legislation that conflicts with its provisions and is slated for publication in the Official Gazette to ensure legal clarity and public accessibility. The Chairman of the Executive Council of Dubai is tasked with issuing all necessary decisions to operationalize the new policy across applicable entities.



FAQs:

Q. Who is eligible for the marriage leave?
Only UAE national employees working in Dubai government entities, including free zones and the judiciary.

Q. When does the policy come into effect?
The policy is effective starting January 1, 2025.

Q. Is the leave paid?
Yes, the leave is fully paid, including all salary allowances and benefits.

Q. Can I take the leave in parts?
Yes, you can take it all at once or in separate parts within one year of marriage.

Q. What documents are needed to apply?
A certified marriage contract dated after December 31, 2024, must be submitted once when applying.