Exciting news for our Emirati brides and grooms-to-be!  Dubai has just rolled out a progressive new law that gives eligible Emirati government employees 10 working days of fully-paid marriage leave. Yes, you read that right, a whole 10 days to celebrate your new beginning as husband and wife, without the pressure of rushing back to work.

Signed by HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Decree No. (31) of 2025 is part of Dubai’s ongoing mission to support Emirati families and promote work-life balance. The law came into effect on 1st January 2025, and we’re here to break it down for you, Bride Club ME style.

Who’s Eligible?

This new marriage leave applies if:

• You’re a UAE national working in a Dubai government entity, free zone (like DIFC), special development zone, judicial authority, or military (excluding cadets).
• Your spouse is also a UAE national.
• You’ve completed your probation period.
• Your marriage certificate is UAE-certified and dated after 31st December 2024.

What’s Included?

• 10 working days of fully paid leave, including all regular salary benefits and allowances.
• Leave can be taken in one go or in parts, as long as it’s within one year of your wedding date.
• It can be combined with other leave types for flexibility (hello, extended honeymoon!).
• With supervisor approval, unused days can roll over into the next year for valid reasons.

Credit: Arabesqué Weddings & Events & Weddings by Zoya, Decor by JAM Weddings

Protections & Considerations

• You can’t be called back to work during this leave period. Military personnel may be recalled only in critical cases and will be compensated with additional leave.
• If your leave coincides with national or reserve service, those days will be added back and can be used post-service (within the one-year period).
• The benefit transfers with you if you change government jobs—no need to reapply!

Why It Matters for Newlyweds

This initiative is a win for Emirati couples, and here’s why:

• Promotes a healthy work-life balance.
• Offers precious time to bond, plan, and adjust to life as newlyweds.
• Encourages gender equality, both partners are entitled to this leave.
• Reinforces mental well-being during a life-changing chapter.
• Reflects Dubai’s commitment to family-first policies.

Credit: Arabesqué Weddings & Events

📌 Bride Club ME’s Quick Tips

1. ✅ Check eligibility early – both you and your partner must be UAE citizens with a certified marriage contract.
2. 📄 Submit your documents – apply through HR with your contract attached.
3. 📅 Be strategic – split or combine your leave with holidays or religious breaks.
4. 💼 Know your rights – your salary and benefits stay intact, and the leave moves with you if you transfer.
5. 🏖️ Make it count – whether it’s a beach honeymoon, a staycation, or family time, use it to celebrate your love.

Legal Insight from a Local Expert

The newly announced ten days marriage leave in Dubai is more than just a policy, it reflects the government’s commitment to the wellbeing of society in general. It aligns with the UAE’s broader direction of developing societal values into legislative frameworks, which is how all developed societies grow. The morals of any society always come ahead of the laws, and this is a reflection of what is happening on the ground. The priorities of a forward-thinking leadership. As always, Dubai leads with reform that is both innovative and inspiring.

Legally, the regulation strikes a balance between targeted benefits and equality. By applying to both men and women equally, it complements the UAE’s existing legal framework that prohibits gender-based discrimination and supports family building for Emiratis. The impact of this decree may extend beyond the public sector. While it’s currently limited to government and certain institutional employees, it sets a new benchmark that private companies can voluntarily embrace.

Organisations are now free to offer more days contractually “but not less,” making this a potential trendsetter for future employment standards. This is how legislative development begins, with bold, values-driven policies that may soon evolve into rights for all residents in the UAE. It’s a space to watch closely.

Above: Ahmed Elnaggar of Elnaggar & Partners

Final Thoughts

At Bride Club ME, we’re all about supporting love stories from ‘Yes!’ to ‘I do’, and beyond. This law is a beautiful step toward honouring the sacred milestone of marriage, giving Emirati couples time to cherish the start of their journey together.

So, if you’re planning your 2025/26 wedding, make sure you know your rights, prepare ahead, and make those 10 days unforgettable.

*All wedding photographs supplied by Arabesqué Weddings & Events