In a significant move aimed at enhancing the well-being of employees, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President of the UAE and Prime Minister, has issued a new decree granting paid marriage leave to Emirati government employees. This decree, marked as Decree No. (31) for the year 2025, not only supports the emotional and familial stability of civil servants but also aims to help them successfully transition into married life while balancing their personal and professional responsibilities. With this latest initiative, employees can focus on their new beginnings without the stress of work obligations weighing them down.
Eligibility and Coverage of the Decree
The marriage leave decree is applicable to Emirati employees working in various government entities, including those overseeing special development zones and free zones, such as the Dubai International Financial Centre. It also extends to members of the judiciary and military personnel, with certain exemptions for nominees. The decree’s provisions may also encompass additional classifications determined by the Executive Council of Dubai as required.
Details of the Paid Marriage Leave
Under the newly issued decree, eligible employees are entitled to a comprehensive paid leave of ten working days for marriage. It allows employees to combine this marriage leave with any other entitled leave in accordance with the prevailing human resources legislation applicable to their workplace. The conditions for receiving this marriage leave stipulate that either the employee’s spouse must be a UAE national and that the employee must have successfully completed their probationary period as defined by their respective organizational regulations.
Requirements for Leave Application
The decree specifies that a marriage contract must be duly certified by the appropriate authorities in the UAE and must have been executed after December 31, 2024. Employees are required to submit a copy of the marriage contract when requesting the paid marriage leave. Additionally, employees will receive their full salary during this period, inclusive of any allowances and benefits outlined in their human resources policies. The leave can be taken in a contiguous or fragmented manner within one year from the marriage date, with the possibility of deferring it to the following year upon approval from their immediate supervisor.
Work Considerations During Leave
According to the decree, government entities are prohibited from calling employees back to duty during their marriage leave, except for military personnel in cases of immediate work requirements. Should this situation arise, the remaining leave period will extend beyond the duty call. Furthermore, if an employee is recalled for national or reserve service during their marriage leave, any unused leave days will be postponed until after completing this service, and these days must be utilized within one year of their return to work.
Should an employee transfer to another government agency, they maintain the right to their marriage leave or any portion thereof if it has not been utilized during their previous employment. The Executive Council of Dubai will issue the necessary regulations to implement this decree, which will come into effect on January 1, 2025, superseding any conflicting provisions in existing legislation.
This forward-thinking initiative by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum is poised to positively impact the well-being of UAE citizens as they embark on new journeys in their personal lives.