Dubai Government Employees to Receive Paid Marriage Leave Following Royal Decree

Dubai Government Unveils 10-Day Paid Marriage Leave for Employees

Abu Dhabi, UAE – July 16, 2025 – In a move designed to bolster family stability and acknowledge the importance of personal life, 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 regarding marriage leave for Dubai government employees. This new regulation grants eligible employees ten working days of paid leave to celebrate their marriage and establish their new family life.

The decree applies broadly across Dubai’s government sector, encompassing employees in government agencies, authorities overseeing special development areas and free zones, including the Dubai International Financial Center. It also extends to members of the judiciary and military personnel.

To qualify for the paid marriage leave, employees must meet several conditions. The marriage contract must be valid and concluded after December 31,2024. Crucially, either the employee or their spouse must be a citizen of the United Arab Emirates. Additionally,the employee must have successfully completed their probationary period as stipulated by their workplace’s human resources legislation. A copy of the marriage contract is the sole document required when submitting the leave request.

During the approved leave period, employees will receive their full salary, including all allowances and financial benefits. The marriage leave can be taken continuously or intermittently within one year of the marriage contract date. In instances of significant personal reasons, government agencies may, wiht the approval of the direct official, agree to defer the leave or a portion of it to the following year.

The decree explicitly states that employees on marriage leave cannot be summoned back to work, with the exception of military personnel in situations requiring their immediate return due to work demands. In such cases, the remaining leave period will be extended. If an employee is called for national and reserve service during their marriage leave or is otherwise unable to take it for this reason,the leave will be postponed until after the completion of their service,with the entitlement to be used within a year of their return to duty.

Furthermore, the decree ensures that employees transferring to or appointed in other government entities retain their entitlement to any unused portion of their marriage leave.

What documentation is required to apply for marriage leave?

Understanding the New Royal Decree on Marriage Leave

A landmark Royal Decree has been issued granting paid marriage leave to employees working within the Dubai government sector. This progressive move, announced on July 16, 2025, aims to support employees during a important life event and foster a positive work-life balance. The decree reflects the UAE’s commitment to employee welfare and aligns with it’s broader vision for a thriving, happy society. This article details everything Dubai government employees need to know about the new marriage benefits and how to access them.

key Provisions of the Paid Marriage Leave Policy

The new policy outlines specific details regarding eligibility, duration, and compensation for government employees taking marriage leave. Here’s a breakdown of the core components:

Eligibility: All confirmed employees of the Dubai government and its affiliated entities are eligible. This includes both UAE nationals and expatriate employees.

Leave Duration: Eligible employees are entitled to 30 calendar days of paid leave to facilitate wedding preparations and the initial stages of married life.

Compensation: Employees will receive their full salary during the entire period of paid time off for marriage.

Timing: the leave must be taken within one year of the marriage date, as documented by official marriage certificates.

Approval Process: Leave requests must be submitted through the standard HR channels within the respective government department, along with a copy of the marriage certificate.

How This Differs from Previous Policies

Previously, marriage allowance and leave policies varied considerably across different government entities in Dubai. Some offered limited unpaid leave,while others provided a one-time financial allowance. This new decree standardizes the process across the board,ensuring equitable employee benefits for all. The shift to paid leave is a notably significant enhancement, offering ample financial relief during a potentially expensive period.

Impact on dubai’s Workforce & Talent Attraction

This decree is expected to have a positive ripple effect on Dubai’s workforce.

Increased Employee Morale: providing generous employee benefits like paid marriage leave demonstrates a commitment to employee well-being, boosting morale and job satisfaction.

Enhanced Talent Attraction: Dubai is already a global hub for talent. This policy further strengthens its appeal to skilled professionals seeking a supportive work environment.Competitive benefits packages are crucial in attracting and retaining top talent.

Improved Work-Life Balance: The leave allows employees to focus on personal commitments without the added stress of financial concerns, promoting a healthier work-life balance.

Positive Economic Impact: Increased spending related to wedding preparations can contribute to the local economy.

Practical Tips for Dubai Government Employees

Here’s a checklist to help you navigate the new marriage leave policy:

1. Review Your Department’s HR Guidelines: While the decree sets a standard, individual departments may have specific internal procedures for submitting leave requests.
2. Gather Required Documentation: Ensure you have a copy of your marriage certificate readily available.
3. Plan Ahead: Submit your leave request well in advance to allow for proper planning and coverage within your department.
4. Understand Salary Continuation: Confirm with your HR department how your salary will be processed during your leave.
5. Familiarize Yourself with Related Policies: Check if this leave interacts with other existing leave policies, such as annual leave or personal leave.

Real-World Examples & Case Studies (UAE Labor Law Trends)

The UAE has been progressively implementing employee-centric labor laws in recent years. The introduction of a four-and-a-half-day workweek in 2022 and the recent updates to visa regulations demonstrate a commitment to improving the quality of life for residents. This paid marriage leave decree aligns with this trend, positioning the UAE as a leader in progressive labor practices within the region. Similar initiatives focusing on parental leave and childcare support are also being considered, reflecting a broader societal shift towards prioritizing family well-being.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Are expatriate employees eligible for this leave?

* A: Yes, the decree