Planning a wedding? If you’re a UAE national working in Dubai’s government sector, here’s some good news to make your life a tad easier. His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum has just approved a new decree granting 10 working days of paid marriage leave to eligible Emirati employees. Yes, full salary, no deductions or stress. This update, announced on July 16, falls under Decree No. (31) of 2025 and kicks in from January 1, 2025.
Dubai Gov’t Gives Emiratis 10 Paid Days Off To Celebrate Marriage Leave
It’s not mandatory to use up all your 10 days’ leave at once, either. Feel free to spread the leave across the year. Basically, the leave grant by Dubai Ruler, HH Sheikh Mohammed, informs us that we can plan the holiday in whatever way fits best with honeymoon plans or family obligations. There’s flexibility.
Also, before you start sending out wedding invites, you need to check these conditions beforehand to avoid any confusion. First, your spouse must also be a UAE citizen. Second, your marriage contract must be certified by the competent authority and signed after 31 December 2024. You’ll also need to complete your probation period at work. That’s fair, right? And yes, you’ll need to submit a copy of your marriage contract once you apply for the leave. No endless paperwork.
Tie The Knot And Take A Well-Deserved Break
The leave comes with your full salary, including all allowances and perks listed under your current HR rules. You can combine this leave with other ones that you are entitled to. So, feel free to mix and match, annual leave, parental leave, whatever fits your situation.
Got an emergency or can’t take leave in the same year? No worries. Your department can approve carrying the leave over to the next year if your supervisor signs off on it with valid reasons.
Also Read: Inside Munawar Faruqui & Wife Mehzabeen Coatwala’s Wedding Anniversary In Dubai
Extra Notes You Should Know
If you get called in during your leave (rare, but possible), your remaining days are carried forward. If you’re doing national or reserve service at the time, your marriage leave will be paused and can be resumed after service ends. Basically, no one’s letting your wedding leave go to waste.
If you move to another government department or entity before using your leave, your entitlement moves with you. The decree applies across all Dubai government departments, including the free zones like DIFC and the judiciary. Military personnel and judges are also covered, except for candidates still in training.
The Dubai Executive Council will handle all execution and follow-up steps. This law cancels any older legislation that clashes with it, making the new decree the ultimate word on marriage leave. From January 1, 2025, it’s the new norm. Getting hitched? Take your time off and celebrate properly, it’s officially your right now.
Cover Image Courtesy: CanvaPro/Myra Jaa from ByMyraJaa
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