CIVIL MARRIAGE IN ABU DHABI AND DUBAI WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

A civil marriage is the lawful union of two persons solemnized as a civil contract, under secular rules, regardless of faith or nationality. Civil marriage ensures that couples receive official recognition of their marriage under UAE law, granting rights such as inheritance, healthcare, and other legal protections. In recent years, the UAE has made significant strides toward modernizing its legal framework to accommodate its diverse population. One of the most groundbreaking developments has been the introduction of civil marriage laws, offering a secular, legal path for couples to formalize their union. Unlike traditional marriage contracts governed by religious laws, civil marriage provides an alternative for those seeking a marriage contract that is purely based on state law, without religious influence.

Civil marriage in the UAE is especially significant for non-Muslim expatriates, It allows them to marry under the law of the land, ensuring their union is legally recognized by the government. But more recently, Abu Dhabi has extended the civil marriage option to Muslim couples as well, further broadening the scope of this modern legal framework.

Civil marriage in Abu Dhabi

Civil marriage in Abu Dhabi is regulated by   Article 4 and 5 of the Civil Marriage Law No. 14 of 2021.  The parties of the civil marriage can be UAE resident as well as tourists. For civil marriage in Abu Dhabi there is no of require witnesses during the ceremony and there is no guest limit during the ceremony.The conditions for civil marriage are;

• Both parties must provide their consent to marriage
• Both parties must be at least 18 years’ old
• The parties must not be related by the first or second degree
• The parties must not be marred to any other person
• Either party must not be a UAE national 

There are two types of Civil marriage in Abu Dhabi 

Ordinary Civil Marriage (AED300) and Express Civil Marriage (AED2500) ,for ordinary civil marriage it will take 10 working days to get approved by the registration team. persons who wants to process quickly or who wants to select a date particularly can choose Express Civil marriage.

The documents needed for Abu Dhabi civil marriage

• Copy of husband’s Passport
• If widowed, you need to provide a copy of the deceased spouse’s death certificate.
• If divorced, they need to submit a divorce certificate/judgment.
• Copy of Emirates ID (if parties are UAE resident).
• Copy of wife’s Passport

Civil Marriage in Dubai

The civil marriage in Dubai in related with Federal Decree Law No. 41 of 2022 on Civil Personal Status for Non-Muslims, which regulates family affairs of non-Muslim residents of the UAE. A civil marriage in Dubai can take place within 24 hours and both parties must sign a joint declaration confirming their marital status and consent to the marriage.  The fee for the marriage certificate in Dubai is AED 220.  The conditions for a Dubai civil marriage are;

• Both parties must be non-Muslims
• At least one of the parties must be a resident of Dubai
• The age of the couple must be at least 21 years old
• The couple or their legally authorised representatives must appear in person
• Original IDs are required to prove their identity details
• Proof of being single must be provided

Documents issued from outside the UAE, must be duly legalised in the Foreign Office in the Country concerned, the UAE embassy in that Country, and Ministry of Justice and Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the UAE.

CONCLUSION

The introduction of the Civil Marriage Law in the UAE marks a significant milestone in the country’s legal reforms, offering a more inclusive and secular option for both residents and visitors. Whether you are looking to get married under the civil marriage framework, seeking advice on legal rights, or need guidance on divorce and custody matters, it’s important to ensure that you are fully informed and supported throughout the process.

At Legal Maxims Consultants, we are here to provide expert legal guidance and services tailored to your unique needs. Our team of professionals specializes in navigating the complexities of civil marriage laws, ensuring that your marriage is legally recognized and that you understand all the rights and obligations involved.

Contact Legal Maxims Consultants today to learn more about our services or to schedule a consultation with our experienced legal team. We are committed to offering comprehensive support and expert advice on all matters related to civil marriage, divorce, and family law in the UAE.