Dubai has introduced a new policy granting 10 working days of fully paid marriage leave to Emirati nationals employed across its government entities.
To qualify, employees must complete their probation, be marrying another UAE citizen, and have their marriage contract officially certified after December 31, 2024. A certified copy of the contract must be submitted for verification.
Employees will receive their full gross salary during the leave, including all allowances. The leave can be taken all at once or split up, and must be used within one year of the marriage date. In special cases, unused leave may be carried over with approval from a supervisor.
Set to take effect on January 1, 2025, the initiative was announced under Decree No. (31) of 2025 by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. It reflects Dubai’s ongoing efforts to promote work-life balance and support family values.
The policy covers Emiratis working in a wide range of sectors, including government departments, judicial authorities, military roles (excluding trainees), free zones, and institutions like the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC). Future expansion to include additional categories is also possible.
The decree also stipulates that the government entity may not recall an employee during the marriage leave period, with the exception of military personnel.
By offering generous support to newlyweds, Dubai continues to set a regional benchmark for progressive, people-focused governance that values both professional and personal well-being.
