Marriage leave is paid time off granted to an employee for their own wedding. In the UAE, there is no federal law mandating it for private sector employees - they typically use annual leave for wedding days. Dubai government and free zone employees are entitled to 10 paid working days under Decree No. 31 of 2025.
Quick Summary
- Statutory Mandate: Federal marriage leave in UAE labour law does not exist for the private sector; it remains entirely at the employer's discretion.
- Dubai Government Employees: Emirati employees in Dubai government entities, free zones, and military roles receive 10 working days of fully paid marriage leave under Decree No. (31) of 2025.
- Private Sector Workaround: Most expatriates and private sector workers must submit an annual leave application for marriage to secure time off.
- Key Benefit: The Dubai decree allows eligible couples to combine this leave with other annual leave balances to ensure maximum family stability.
Planning a wedding is a massive milestone. In the Middle East, understanding how to navigate your company's HR framework ensures your celebrations are entirely stress-free. From the new 10-day government decrees to private sector annual leave strategies, this guide covers everything you need to know about securing your time off.
Marriage Leave in UAE Labour Law: The Private Sector Reality
Unlike sick or maternity entitlements, marriage leave in UAE private sector companies is not federally mandated. Because there is no specific marriage leave in UAE labour law, a wedding is legally categorized as a private matter.
Therefore, when asking leave for marriage, private sector employees generally rely on their standard annual vacation days. If your company does have an internal, non-statutory policy, you can submit a direct marriage leave application for office. Otherwise, you will need to draft a vacation leave letter for marriage drawing from your standard leave balance.
Dubai's 10-Day Marriage Leave Initiative
In a massive step toward supporting family stability, Dubai introduced 10 working days of fully paid leave for specific sectors. This initiative aligns with broader national efforts to promote work-life balance and societal well-being.
Eligibility: You must be a UAE national working in a Dubai government entity, free zone (like the DIFC), special development zone, or judicial authority. Your spouse must also be an Emirati citizen.
Conditions: You must have successfully completed your probation period, and your marriage contract must be attested by a competent UAE authority and dated after December 31, 2024.
Usage: You can use the leave continuously or intermittently within one year of concluding the marriage contract, and it can be combined seamlessly with other leave types. You cannot be recalled to work during this period, excepting specific military cases where compensation leave is provided later.
How to Apply for Marriage Leave: Step by Step
When you are ready to apply leave for marriage, having the right marriage leave application format prevents delays and HR pushback. You can process your request digitally through your company portal or manually via email depending on your internal systems.
Option A: Through the HRMS Portal
If your company utilizes an Employee Self-Service (ESS) platform, applying is streamlined and keeps your marriage leave in UAE records perfectly organized.
- Log into your HRMS app or portal and navigate to Leave Management.
- Select the leave type. If you work in the private sector, select Annual Leave to cover your wedding dates. If you are an Emirati in a Dubai government entity or your private company offers a bespoke policy, select Marriage Leave.
- Attach a digital copy of your marriage contract or wedding invitation as required by your HR policy.
- Confirm your dates and submit. The system will automatically route the leave request to your manager for approval and update your remaining vacation balances.
Option B: By Email
Whether you need a standard leave application for marriage or a specialized leave extension letter for marriage, use the templates below to ensure a professional tone.
Template 1: For Your Own Wedding (Standard or Annual Leave)
Subject: Leave Request for Marriage – [Your Name]
Dear [Manager's Name],
I am writing to submit an application for leave due to marriage. My wedding is scheduled for [Date], and I would like to request time off from [Start Date] to [End Date].
Since our company policy falls under standard guidelines, please consider this my formal leave letter for my marriage. If required, this can be processed as an annual leave application for marriage. I have arranged for my colleagues to cover my tasks.
Regards,\ [Your Name] | [Employee ID]
Template 2: Formal Leave Letter for Office Records
Date: [Date]\ To: HR Department\ Subject: Leave Application for Marriage Ceremony
Dear HR Team,
Please accept this marriage leave application for office records. I am requesting time off from [Start Date] to [End Date] to celebrate my wedding and manage all related family arrangements.
My deliverables have been handed over to [Colleague's Name].
Thank you,\ [Your Name] | [Employee ID]
Template 3: For a Sibling or Child's Wedding
Subject: Leave Request for Sister's / Brother's Wedding
Dear [Manager's Name],
I am submitting a leave application for [Start Date] to [End Date] to attend my [sister's/brother's/daughter's] wedding. As my presence is required for family preparations, please approve this leave accordingly.
I will ensure my current projects are updated before my departure.
Regards,\ [Your Name] | [Employee ID]
Template 4: Emergency or Last-Minute Leave
Subject: Urgent Leave Request – [Your Name]
Dear [Manager's Name],
I am writing this emergency leave letter for marriage as I need to take urgent time off from [Start Date] to [End Date] to manage unforeseen wedding-related matters. I will ensure a rapid handover to the team before I leave today.
Regards,\ [Your Name] | [Employee ID]
FAQs
Can I request a leave extension if my wedding plans get delayed?
Yes, but you must formally submit a leave extension letter for marriage to your HR department as soon as possible. Because private sector employees generally use their annual leave balance, extensions are strictly subject to your remaining vacation days and your manager's operational approval.
Does the 10-day Dubai leave apply to expatriates?
No, the 10-day decree specifically applies to Emirati citizens married to other Emirati citizens who work in Dubai government entities, specific free zones, judicial roles, or the military. Expatriates must rely on their standard annual leave entitlements.
Do I need to submit my marriage certificate right away?
For the Dubai government entitlement, a copy of the marriage contract must be submitted when applying for the leave. For the private sector, documentation requirements depend entirely on internal company policy, but most require proof if they offer a distinct, non-statutory marriage leave benefit.
