Marriage Leave Prerequisites in Dubai: Understanding the Key Requirements
In a groundbreaking move, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, and Ruler of Dubai, has issued a decree granting paid marriage leave to Emirati government employees in Dubai. This decree aims to enhance psychological and family stability, supporting a successful family life while balancing personal life requirements with job duties.
The decree outlines specific eligibility conditions and benefits for the new policy. To be eligible, employees must be UAE nationals, their spouses must also be UAE citizens, and they must have completed their probationary period. The marriage contract must be officially certified by a UAE authority and concluded after December 31, 2024. A copy of the marriage contract is required only once, at the time of application for the leave.
The benefits of the decree are substantial. Eligible employees are entitled to 10 working days of fully paid marriage leave. This leave can be combined with any other leave the employee is entitled to under applicable human resource legislation. During the leave period, employees receive their full gross salary, including all allowances and financial benefits.
The flexibility of taking the marriage leave is another significant aspect of the decree. The leave can be taken at any point within one year of the date of the certified marriage contract and may be used either continuously or in separate intervals.
In the event of an employee's transfer or appointment to another government entity, they retain their right to marriage leave or any part thereof if they have not utilized it during their employment with the previous government entity. The marriage leave period entitles the employee to their full gross salary, including all allowances and financial benefits stipulated by the human resources legislation applicable to their workplace.
The decree applies to Emirati employees working in government entities, authorities overseeing special development zones and free zones, including Dubai International Financial Centre, Emirati judicial authority members, and Emirati military personnel in the emirate. The government entity may approve the carry-over of marriage leave or any part thereof to the following year, based on serious reasons provided by the employee and with the approval of their direct supervisor.
The decree is effective from January 1, 2025, and the government entity may not recall an employee during the marriage leave period, with the exception of military personnel. This decree is a testament to Dubai's commitment to fostering a supportive work environment that values the well-being of its employees and their families.
- The decree, applicable to Emirati employees in various sectors like government entities, judicial authorities, and military personnel, also extends its benefits to the fields of business and sports, aiming to promote a balanced lifestyle that prioritizes health and family.
- Moreover, this groundbreaking decree can have a significant impact on the news and lifestyle sectors, as it sets a precedent for progressive family-friendly policies that align with the UAE's ambition to establish a healthy work-life balance; a topic often highlighted in health, news, and lifestyle discussions.
