His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, has issued Decree No. (31) of 2025, establishing new regulations for marriage leave for Emirati employees working in the Dubai government.
This move aims to enhance family stability, support new beginnings in married life, and help maintain a better work-life balance.
Who Is Eligible for the New Marriage Leave?
This decree applies specifically to:
- UAE nationals employed in Dubai government entities
- Employees in special development zones and free zones, including Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC)
- Judicial authority members and military personnel in Dubai
- Any other categories as determined by Dubai's Executive Council
Key Conditions for UAE Marriage Leave
To qualify for the 10-day marriage leave, the employee must:
- Be a UAE national working for a Dubai government entity
- Have a spouse who is also a UAE citizen
- Have completed their probation period
- Submit a certified marriage contract dated after December 31, 2024
What Does the Leave Include?
- Employees are entitled to 10 working days of fully paid leave
- The full gross salary, including allowances and benefits, will be provided
- Leave can be taken all at once or in parts within one year of the marriage date
- Unused leave can be carried over to the following year with valid reasons and supervisor approval
Additional Flexibility and Rights
- Marriage leave can be combined with any other leave the employee is entitled to
- Employees cannot be recalled during this leave—except for military personnel
- If recalled, the remaining leave will be extended after the recall period ends
- Employees on national or reserve service can carry over the leave to post-service, to be used within one year
- If an employee transfers to another government entity, their right to any unused marriage leave remains valid
Implementation Timeline
- This decree will come into effect from January 1, 2025
- Any conflicting laws or policies will be overridden by this decree
- Additional guidelines will be issued by the Executive Council of Dubai
Final Thoughts
This new decree represents a progressive step in employee welfare for UAE nationals in the Dubai government. By promoting mental and emotional well-being, the leadership continues to prioritize the importance of family life alongside professional responsibilities.
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Dubai marriage leave 2025, UAE government employee benefits, Sheikh Mohammed decree, Emirati employee marriage leave, Dubai HR policy, 10-day paid marriage leave, Dubai government news