The UAE has changed the face of marriage laws for the better especially in Abu Dhabi where both Muslims and non-Muslims can easily apply for a civil marriage. These changes have helped to offer equal chances, make the procedures easier and make sure that the laws of the world recognize them. Whether you are a resident or a visitor, this article will help you with the steps of civil marriage in Abu Dhabi.
Understanding Civil Marriage in Abu Dhabi
According to the Abu Dhabi Civil Family Court “A civil marriage is the lawful union of a man and woman solemnized as a civil contract, under secular rules, regardless of faith or nationality. It is regulated by Article 4 and 5 of Law No. 14 of 2021 regarding Civil Marriage and its Effects in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi (Civil Marriage Law).”
Who Can Apply for Civil Marriage in Abu Dhabi?
According to Article 5 of the Civil Marriage Law, the provisions of the law shall apply to civil marriage and its effects and all civil family matters in accordance with the following cases:
-
- Non-Muslim citizens.
- The foreigner who holds the nationality of a country that does not apply the provisions of Islamic law mainly in matters of personal status. .In the event of a foreigner having multiple nationality, the nationality used shall be considered according to his residence in the country.
- Marriage being held in a country that does not apply the provisions of Islamic law primarily in matters of personal status.
- If the marriage was concluded in accordance with the provisions of civil marriage.
- Any other case for which a decision is issued by the Chairman.
You may want to know: Civil Marriage – What impact do new laws have on expat marriages in Abu Dhabi?
Conditions for Civil Marriage
According to Abu Dhabi Law No. 14 of 2021 On the Civil Marriage and its Effects in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, A civil marriage is concluded if the following conditions are met:
- Age: Both husband and wife have reached at least (18) calendar years, and age is proven by any official document issued by the country to which they belong.
- The free will of those wishing to marry: those wishing to marry shall explicitly express their consent to the marriage, and that there is nothing to legally prohibit their consent.
- Eligibility: The spouses must have the necessary mental capacity.
- The absence of the forbidding kinship: the marriage must not be between brothers, children, grandchildren, uncles or aunts.
- Non-polygamy: None of the spouses is bound by any existing marital relationship.
Note: Medical examinations and witnesses are not required for a civil marriage.
You need to know: Abu Dhabi’s Express Civil Marriage Service: Tie the Knot in 24 Hours
Steps to Register a Civil Marriage in Abu Dhabi
The procedure to register is straightforward and efficient:
- Complete the Application Form
- Fill in the form designed for registering civil marriage in both Arabic and English available on the ADJD’s website.
- Attach the required documents and paying the prescribed fee,
- Disclose the existence of any previous marital relationship for either of them, indicating the date of the divorce, and declaring the absence of any existing marital relationship
- Court Verification
- The court verifies that all conditions for civil marriage are met and that the required procedures are fulfilled.
- Schedule an Appointment
- In the event that the application is approved, the court will contact the spouses within (3) working days to appoint a date for the issuance of the marriage certificate.
- The marriage certificate is issued in the presence of the spouses before the court, whether through electronic attendance or at the court’s headquarters.
- Issuance of Marriage Certificate
- The notary authenticates the marriage contract and produces the bilingual civil marriage certificate.
- The certificate is entered and saved in the electronic civil marriage registry.
You need to know: Your Guide to a Civil Wedding in Dubai for Filipinos
Documents Required for Civil Marriage
- Passport copies of both parties.
- Emirates ID (if applicable).
- Proof of single status.
- Certificate of divorce or annulment (if previously married).
Civil Marriage vs. Sharia Marriage: A Comparison
| Aspect | Civil Marriage in Abu Dhabi | Sharia Marriage |
| Legal Framework | Governed by Abu Dhabi Law No. 14 of 2021 On the Civil Marriage and its Effects in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi | Governed by Islamic Sharia law. |
| Guardian (Wali) Approval | Not required. | Required for the bride. |
| Medical Test | Not required. | Mandatory for both. |
| Interreligious Marriage | Permitted with conditions. | Typically restricted. |
| Marriage Registration | Registered with civil courts. | Registered with Islamic courts. |
| Language | Available in Arabic and English. | Typically in Arabic. |
| Non-Residents Marriage | Permitted under specific conditions. | Residency is required. |
Combining Civil Marriage with Nikah
Some Muslim couples may also want to have a Nikah, which is an Islamic marriage, in order to have both a religious and legal marriage. Here’s how:
- Perform the Nikah Ceremony
- Get a notarized MOFA (Ministry of Foreign Affairs) stamp for the Nikah certificate.
- Gather Required Documents
- Get IDs, passports, and other documents such as annulment or divorce if any.
- Schedule Civil Marriage
- Apply for a marriage registration in the court.
- Complete the Civil Marriage Process
- Go to the court to complete the marriage procedures and get the civil certificate.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Can Muslims marry non-Muslims in the UAE?
Yes. Muslim men are allowed to marry women of the Christian or Jewish faiths. The new Abu Dhabi Civil Marriage Law permits Muslim women to marry non-Muslim men.
Q2. Do you need UAE residency to get married?
Not at all. Marriage can be applied, and all the required conditions of marriage can be fulfilled from all those residing in or visiting Abu Dhabi.
Q3. Does Nikah mean civil marriage?
No, Nikah is a religious ceremony conducted by following the Islamic Shariah, whereas a civil marriage is a legally registered marriage governed by UAE law.
Why Choose Civil Marriage?
Marriage in Abu Dhabi can be easy and straightforward, and couples married in Abu Dhabi will get a legal marriage contract, international recognition, and legal protection. It is perfect for the couples of different faiths or those who do not want to have a religious marriage.
So, if you want to have a stress-free marriage then Marriage Lawyers at Dubai Court Marriage are here to help you. Here, we provide essential assistance for a blissful union. Whether you want to have a Nikah with a civil marriage or you need assistance in paperwork, we are here to make your journey easy.
Please contact us to find out how we can help you plan a wonderful and legal wedding.
