Dubai Announces 10 Days Paid Leave for Emiratis Getting Married

In a significant step to enhance employee welfare and promote family values, the Dubai government has announced a new policy that grants Emirati nationals employed in government entities 10 working days of fully paid leave for marriage. This new policy, effective from January 1, 2025, reflects Dubai's commitment to supporting work-life balance and strengthening social bonds within the Emirati community.

This announcement has been welcomed by the public, especially for its positive impact on family life and its acknowledgment of the importance of celebrating marriage. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, issued this new directive under Decree No. (31) of 2025. The decree applies to a wide range of government entities across Dubai, showing the government’s strong commitment to ensuring that work policies align with the cultural and social needs of the country’s citizens.

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What Does the New Policy Entail?

The new policy, introduced under the decree, provides that all Emirati nationals employed in various government sectors will be entitled to 10 working days of fully paid leave when they get married. The leave can be taken at any point after the marriage, but it must be within one year of the marriage contract date.

The decree applies not only to employees in Dubai’s government departments but also to judicial authorities, military personnel (excluding candidates), and employees working in free zones, special development zones, and institutions like the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC). This wide range of entities ensures that the policy reaches a significant portion of the workforce. Additionally, there is potential for the policy to be expanded in the future to include more categories of employees, ensuring that it covers a broader demographic over time.

Conditions for Eligibility

For employees to be eligible for the marriage leave, they must meet several conditions outlined in the decree. These conditions ensure that the leave is granted fairly and only to those who meet specific requirements.

1. Marriage to a UAE Citizen: The employee must be marrying another UAE citizen. This ensures that the policy remains aligned with the country’s national and social priorities.

2. Completion of Probationary Period: Employees must have successfully completed their probationary period in the respective government entity. This ensures that the employees are stable in their roles before taking an extended period of leave.

3. Marriage Contract Certification: The marriage must be officially recognized by a competent UAE authority. Employees must provide a certified copy of their marriage certificate to verify the authenticity of their union.

4. Marriage Date: The marriage contract must have been concluded after December 31, 2024. This date marks the point when the new policy goes into effect, ensuring that the new leave policy applies to marriages occurring from that day forward.

Once the employee has met these requirements and submitted the necessary documentation, they can avail themselves of the leave.

Full Gross Salary During Marriage Leave

One of the most notable aspects of this policy is the provision that employees will receive their full gross salary during their marriage leave. This includes all allowances and financial benefits that are typically included in their compensation package.

According to Gulf News, the employee’s full salary will be guaranteed during the leave period, which is a significant benefit that adds value to the new policy. Unlike unpaid leave or partial salary arrangements, this fully paid leave ensures that employees can enjoy their special moment without financial concerns. This is especially important for those who may not have the financial freedom to take time off without worrying about their income.

Flexibility in Taking Marriage Leave

The policy also allows employees flexibility in how they take their marriage leave. The employee can choose to take all 10 days of leave at once or divide the leave into shorter periods, depending on their preference and personal situation.

The leave must be taken within one year from the date of the marriage contract, providing employees ample time to plan their leave around their work schedules. This flexibility also means that employees can take leave at a time that is most convenient for them, making the policy more adaptable to different lifestyles and personal preferences.

In cases where an employee is unable to use the full 10 days of marriage leave within the year, they can request to carry over any unused portion of the leave into the next year. However, this requires approval from the employee’s direct supervisor and a valid reason for the delay. This provision further enhances the flexibility of the policy, ensuring that employees are not forced to take the leave at a time that is inconvenient for them.

A Step Toward Stronger Family Values

This progressive policy highlights Dubai’s dedication to supporting Emirati families and fostering strong relationships within its citizenry. By offering paid leave for marriage, the Dubai government is recognizing the importance of family life and the role it plays in ensuring a stable and happy society.

Marriage is a significant milestone in an individual’s life, and by offering this support, Dubai is not only allowing employees to celebrate this event with their loved ones but also encouraging them to build strong family foundations. The policy is a positive step towards improving work-life balance, making it easier for people to devote time to their personal lives without sacrificing their professional responsibilities.

A Positive Impact on Employee Well-being

The introduction of marriage leave also supports the overall well-being of employees. It acknowledges that employees are more than just workers—they are individuals with personal lives, relationships, and emotional needs. By allowing time off for such an important event, Dubai is demonstrating that it values the happiness and fulfillment of its employees.

In the long run, policies like this could also improve job satisfaction and employee loyalty. Employees are more likely to feel supported by their employers when they are offered benefits that enhance their personal lives, which could lead to higher levels of engagement, productivity, and retention.

A Landmark Policy for Emiratis

Dubai’s new marriage leave policy is a step in the right direction towards improving the quality of life for Emirati nationals working in government sectors. By providing 10 days of fully paid leave for marriage, Dubai is reinforcing its commitment to creating a supportive, family-oriented work environment. This new policy will not only help employees strengthen their personal relationships but also contribute to the larger goal of building a cohesive, happy society.

As the policy comes into effect on January 1, 2025, it is expected to bring positive changes to the lives of many Emirati employees, offering them the time and financial security to celebrate one of life’s most important milestones.