UAE national employees working for Dubai government entities will be eligible for 10 working days of fully paid marriage leave, following a new decree issued on July 16 by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.
The new regulation, Decree No. (31) of 2025, applies to Emirati employees in government bodies, free zones (including DIFC), members of the judiciary, and military personnel (excluding candidates). It can also extend to additional categories by future Executive Council decisions.
To qualify for 10-day paid marriage leave in Dubai, the following conditions should be met:
- The employee’s spouse must be a UAE citizen
- The employee must complete their probation period as set by the employer or relevant HR regulations
- The marriage contract must be dated after December 31, 2024, and certified by the relevant authority
- A copy of the certified contract must be submitted once with the leave application
The 10-day leave will be calculated on the basis of gross salary, including all applicable allowances and financial benefits.
The leave can be taken:
- In full or split form
- At any point within one year of the marriage contract
- With the possibility to carry over to the next year, if justified and approved by a direct supervisor
Additional Notes on 10-Day Paid Marriage Leave in Dubai
- Employees cannot be called back to work during marriage leave, except military personnel if needed
- If the employee is called for national or reserve service, unused days will carry forward and can be used within one year of return
- If an employee moves to a different government entity, they retain the right to unused marriage leave
This decision is part of broader efforts to support social welfare policies for Emiratis working in the public sector. Earlier this year, the UAE also introduced a new remote work system that allows federal government employees to work from outside the country, further expanding flexibility for public sector professionals.
