Dubai Announces 10-Day Paid Marriage Leave for Emirati Government Employees
Friday, 18 July 2025
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum has issued Decree No. (31) of 2025, granting UAE national government employees in Dubai a fully paid 10-day marriage leave, effective January 1, 2025. The decree includes provisions for combining leave, postponement, and applicability across various government sectors.
Key Highlights:
- Leave Duration: UAE national government employees are entitled to 10 working days of fully paid marriage leave.
- Eligibility Criteria:
- Employee and spouse must both be UAE citizens.
- Marriage contract must be certified and concluded after December 31, 2024.
- Probation period must be completed prior to leave eligibility.
- Salary Entitlement: Employees will receive their full gross salary, including allowances and financial benefits during the leave period.
- Leave Usage:
- Can be taken within 1 year of marriage, either continuously or intermittently.
- Transfer to the next year allowed with valid reason and supervisor approval.
- Call-Up Exception: Employees cannot be called during leave, except for military personnel if work demands it.
- National Service Exception: Leave will be postponed or resumed after national/reserve service completion.
- Transfer Between Entities: Marriage leave rights remain valid if employee is transferred or appointed to another Dubai government entity.
- Applicability:
- Applies to UAE national employees in Dubai government entities, development zones, free zones (e.g., DIFC), and judiciary.
- Includes military personnel, excluding candidates.
- May extend to other categories by Executive Council decision.
- Effective Date: The decree comes into force on January 1, 2025 and is published in the Official Gazette.
