Dubai introduces a groundbreaking decree for Emirati government employees tying the knot — but do you meet all four conditions?
Dubai has once again taken a progressive step in employee welfare and family support. A new marriage leave decree issued by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, grants Emirati government employees 10 days of fully paid marriage leave. But here’s the catch — you need to meet four specific conditions to qualify.
Let’s dive into what this new decree means, who it applies to, the benefits you can expect, and the detailed eligibility criteria you must fulfill to claim this valuable leave.
✅ Why a Marriage Leave Decree Now?
This strategic move aims to boost family and psychological stability, providing a solid foundation for newlyweds as they begin their journey together. It also reflects the UAE’s commitment to work-life balance, a key priority as the country continues to innovate in employee rights and welfare policies.
By supporting newlyweds with paid time off, the government recognizes the personal and emotional importance of marriage and aims to help employees integrate their personal milestones with professional responsibilities smoothly.
👥 Who Can Benefit From This Law?
This marriage leave policy is not for everyone, and that’s where the details become crucial.
According to the official decree, the leave applies exclusively to Emirati employees working in the following sectors:
- Dubai Government departments
- Authorities operating in special development zones and free zones (including the Dubai International Financial Centre – DIFC)
- Judicial authority members who are Emirati citizens
- Military personnel who are Emiratis in the Emirate of Dubai
If you’re an expatriate employee or a non-Emirati staff member, this marriage leave policy unfortunately does not apply to you.
📋 The 4 Must-Meet Conditions for Marriage Leave
To avail the 10 working days of marriage leave, you must satisfy all the following conditions:
- You Must Be an Emirati Employee
Only Emirati citizens employed by the Dubai government or affiliated entities are eligible for this leave.
- Your Spouse Must Also Be Emirati
This rule applies to both male and female employees — both spouses must be UAE citizens. This is a key factor in ensuring eligibility.
- Probation Period Must Be Completed
You must have successfully completed your probation according to your workplace’s applicable HR legislation.
- Marriage Contract Must Be Official and Recent
The marriage contract must:
- Be attested by a competent UAE authority
- Be dated after December 31, 2024
Only marriages that meet these criteria are valid for this type of leave.
💸 What Are You Entitled To During Marriage Leave?
Employees who meet all the conditions will enjoy:
- 10 working days of marriage leave
- Full salary including allowances and financial benefits as per your HR laws
- Flexibility to take the leave continuously or in parts within one year of marriage
- Combine marriage leave with other paid leaves such as annual leave or emergency leave
- Carry over unused marriage leave to the next year (if approved by your supervisor for serious reasons)
This policy not only allows breathing space for newlyweds but also gives flexibility in how and when they take the leave — a key element in today’s dynamic work environments.
🔁 Can You Be Recalled from Marriage Leave?
In most cases, no — you cannot be recalled by your department once you start your marriage leave. However, military personnel are the only exception.
If you’re a military employee and are recalled during your marriage leave, your remaining leave days will be extended or carried over to be used later — so you don’t lose your entitled days.
In case you’re called up for national or reserve service during your leave, you’re still entitled to your full marriage leave after completing service, as long as it’s used within one year of your return to work.
🔄 What If You Change Jobs Within Government?
Here’s some good news: your marriage leave travels with you!
If you transfer or get appointed to a new government entity, and you haven’t used your marriage leave yet, your entitlement remains valid. You can still take your 10 days as long as you meet the criteria and didn’t already utilize the leave at your previous department.
This provision ensures that marriage leave is tied to your personal record rather than the department you work for.
📅 When Can You Take the Leave?
Employees have the right to take marriage leave:
- Immediately after their marriage
- Or anytime within one year of the wedding date
- Either in one go or in parts (continuous or intermittent leave)
The option to split the leave offers flexibility to adapt it to your honeymoon, relocation, or settling-in plans.
🧠 Why This Policy Matters
This is more than just a leave update — it’s part of Dubai’s long-term vision to support its Emirati workforce emotionally, socially, and economically. Marriage is a major life milestone, and this law recognizes its impact on mental well-being and productivity.
By offering paid marriage leave, Dubai joins a growing list of forward-thinking governments investing in the well-being of their citizens, particularly at life’s most crucial moments.
⚖️ The Bigger Picture: HR Reform in the UAE
This decree is another example of how UAE’s leadership is modernizing labor laws while ensuring Emiratis receive benefits that strengthen their family foundations and contribute to a balanced society.
It also reinforces the government’s focus on:
- Cultural preservation
- Family cohesion
- Job satisfaction and retention
- Enhanced national identity and pride
🔚 Final Thoughts
Dubai’s new marriage leave decree is a milestone policy designed to blend family priorities with professional responsibility. It ensures that employees do not have to choose between their job and personal commitments during such a key moment in life.
Whether you’re an Emirati preparing for marriage or an HR manager within a government entity, this law provides clear guidance and generous benefits — as long as the conditions are met.
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