New Marriage Rule In Dubai - 10 Days Paid Marriage Leave!

17/07/2025

New Marriage Rule In Dubai - 10 Days Paid Marriage Leave!

DUBAI, July 17: 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 concerning marriage leave for Emirati employees working in the Dubai government sector.

The new decree grants eligible Emirati employees ten working days of fully paid marriage leave. It applies to citizens employed in Dubai government departments, authorities overseeing special development and free zones—including the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC)—as well as Emirati members of the judicial authority and armed forces within the emirate, excluding cadets.

Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the marriage leave, the following conditions must be met:

The employee’s spouse must be a UAE national.
The employee must have completed their probation period.
The marriage contract must be officially attested by a competent authority in the UAE.
The marriage must have taken place on or after January 1, 2025.

Employees are entitled to their full gross salary during the marriage leave, including all applicable allowances and financial benefits as outlined in the relevant human resources regulations.

Flexibility and Extensions

The decree allows employees to combine their marriage leave with other types of leave they are eligible for. Marriage leave can be taken in a single block or in parts, provided it is used within one year from the date of the marriage contract.

Government entities may permit the carry-over of unused marriage leave into the following year if the employee presents a valid reason and receives approval from their immediate supervisor.

Additionally, government bodies are prohibited from recalling employees during their marriage leave, except for military personnel in cases where operational needs arise. In such situations, the remaining leave will be rescheduled to resume after the recall ends.

The decree reinforces Dubai's commitment to supporting Emirati employees and promoting family stability through clear and supportive employment policies.