In commitment of the UAE in promoting citizens happiness, kinship values, and work-life balance, the Dubai government has started a new paid marriage leave program to its Emirati government workers. The initiative was announced by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and employees will get 10 days off as a paid leave in case of marriage to another UAE citizen. This decree is also known as Decree No. (31) of 2025 and will come into force on January 1, 2025.

Who Qualifies for the New Marriage Leave Policy?
In order to qualify on the marriage leave in this new policy, the Emirati government employees are expected to:
- Be a UAE national working in government organizations in Dubai, legal courts, free-zones, or semi-government bodies like the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC).
- Have finished a probation period according to the HR policy in their respective organisations.
- Marry a UAE citizen with the marriage contract being certified properly by an authority body within UAE.
- Provide written proof of a certified marriage contract that is dated on or after December 31, 2024.
This leave is only applicable to marriages of Emiratis and cannot be utilized in case the partner is not a citizen of UAE.
How Can the Marriage Leave Be Used?
The important feature of the policy is flexibility. Employees can:
- Use the 10 days leave either as a whole or in segmentation.
- Take the leave within a year of the marriage date.
- Combine it with other types of leave according to their HR policy at the place of work.
In situations where an employee cannot take leave because he is under military or reserve service, the day can either:
- Deferred and used within one year of returning to work.
- Extended, if their marriage leave was disrupted by duty calls.
The actual transfer of employees to other government departments can take the unused marriage leave with them thus the same work would always continue with the transfer and no benefit is lost.
Salary and Job Security During Leave
The eligible employees will still have their gross salary inclusive of allowances and any financial benefits mentioned in their employment terms. Notably, no one can recall them to work, even during the pregnancy leave, except in circumstances where servicemen are involved in national emergencies.

Special Provisions and Exceptions
However in special personal scope situations when the employee is not able to avail the leave during the one year period of the marriage, deferment may be sought, again, on the discretion of the superior officer and with a sound reason.
The new decree is to replace any opposite legislature in the past and will be published in the official Gazette. The Executive Council Chairman of the Dubai shall make additional rulings in order to facilitate the execution at all levels of the government.
Also Read: A Complete Guide on How to Get a Business License in Dubai
FAQs About the New Marriage Leave Policy in Dubai
Q. Who is eligible?
Employees of UAE national workers in Dubai governmental entities, which include DIFC and judicial boards.
Q. When will it be implemented?
Begins from 1 January, 2025.
Q. Is the leave paid?
Yes, with everything included including financial benefits.
Q. Can the leave be split?
Yes, it can be taken in instalments by workers within one year of marriage.
Q. What documents are needed?
A certificated marriage contract dated after December 31, 2024, to be placed on record just once during the time of leave application.
Accompanying this pivotal move, the new marriage leave policy in Dubai will support the integrity of a family and enable government workers to have the necessary support that they need to celebrate the special moments in their lives- another step towards having Dubai create a happy, balanced, and harmonious society.