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Dubai has issued a new decree (No 31 of 2025) granting Emirati government staff in the emirate 10 working days of fully paid marriage leave.
The new directive — signed off by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, and Ruler of Dubai — aims to support psychological and family stability while enhancing work–life balance.
It covers UAE Nationals working in Dubai government entities, including agencies overseeing special development zones and free zones.
It also applies to judicial and military personnel, excluding cadets.
Key highlights linked to the ‘marriage’ leave for Dubai government Emirati employees
- To qualify, employees must have completed their probationary period, and their spouse must also be a UAE citizen. The marriage contract must be certified in the UAE and concluded after December 31 of the previous year.
- Employees are required to submit the marriage certificate only once when applying for the leave.
- Marriage leave can be taken either continuously or in parts within one year from the date of marriage. During this period, employees are entitled to their full gross salary, including allowances and financial benefits.
- Government entities are not permitted to call on employees during their marriage leave, except in the case of military personnel where work may require it.
- If an employee is called up for national service or a promotion course during the leave period, the remaining days of marriage leave will be postponed.
Read: Sharjah approves new employee leave policy
