Dubai Grants 10 Days of Paid Marriage Leave for Government Employees

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum has approved a decree granting 10 working days of fully paid marriage leave to Emirati employees across Dubai’s government sector, beginning January 1st, 2025. The policy applies to staff in government departments, judicial authorities, free-zone bodies, and military personnel - excluding trainees and candidates.

To be eligible, employees must be UAE nationals, have completed their probation period, and be marrying another Emirati national after December 31st, 2024. A certified marriage contract must also be submitted as part of the application process.

The leave can be taken as a single block or split into two periods, provided both are used within one year of the marriage date. With supervisor approval, unused leave days may be carried over. Employees will receive their full gross salary, including all allowances, during the leave period.

Government entities are not permitted to recall employees during their marriage leave, except in the case of active-duty military personnel. The decree aims to support family life among Emiratis and standardise marriage-related leave across public sector institutions in Dubai.