Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Issues Decree on Marriage Leave for Dubai Government Employees
In a significant move to bolster family stability and support Emirati citizens, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum has issued a decree on marriage leave for Dubai government employees. This new legislation aims to promote balance between personal life and work responsibilities, facilitating the establishment of strong family units. The decree, known as مرسوم رقم (31) لسنة 2025, is a testament to the government’s commitment to the welfare of its employees by acknowledging the importance of marriage as a vital aspect of societal well-being.
Target Groups of the Decree
Under the decree, marriage leave is applicable to Emirati employees working in government entities and authorities overseeing development zones and free zones, including the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC). The scope also extends to Emirati members of the judiciary and military personnel, excluding candidates in specific roles. Additionally, any other groups identified will be included based on decisions made by the Dubai Executive Council.
Terms of Marriage Leave
According to the stipulations set forth in the decree, eligible employees are entitled to a comprehensive paid marriage leave of ten working days. The decree also permits employees to combine this leave with other entitlements as per the human resources regulations in place at their respective workplaces. This flexibility ensures that employees can manage their time effectively around personal commitments while fulfilling their professional obligations.
Eligibility Requirements for Marriage Leave
The decree specifies several conditions for receiving marriage leave. Primarily, the spouse of the employee must be a citizen of the United Arab Emirates. Furthermore, the employee needs to have successfully completed any probationary period as defined by their respective human resources policies. Importantly, the marriage contract must be officially certified by the relevant state authority and should be dated after December 31, 2024. Employees are required to submit a copy of their marriage contract only once when requesting the leave.
Employee Rights During Marriage Leave
During the period of marriage leave, employees will continue to receive their full salary, including allowances and financial benefits as defined by existing human resources regulations. Employees have the option to utilize their marriage leave anytime within a year of the marriage contract date, whether in a single continuous stretch or intermittently. Should there be extenuating circumstances, government entities may approve the deferral of marriage leave to the following year based on valid justifications provided by the employee.
Conditions Regarding Employee Recall During Marriage Leave
The decree stipulates that government entities cannot summon employees during their marriage leave, except for military personnel if work requirements necessitate such action. In cases of summons, the remaining leave period must be extended accordingly. If an employee is called to serve during their leave for national service, unused marriage leave will be deferred until after they complete their duties, utilizing it within a year upon return to work.
Moreover, should an employee transfer or be appointed to another government entity, they will retain the right to any unused marriage leave from their previous department. The Dubai Executive Council will issue necessary regulations to implement the decree, which will invalidate any conflicting regulations in existing laws, coming into effect from January 1, 2025, and published in the official gazette.