A complete guide to the kinds of marriages valid in the UAE

Not all marriages are regarded as legitimate and recognized by the laws of the UAE. Even if they are lawfully wed back home, same-sex individuals will have a tough time if caught in an unsuitable scenario in Dubai. Only heterosexual marriages that have been registered and may, if necessary, be supported by legal certificates are recognized by UAE law. Marriages or religious unions are only considered legitimate back home if you have a valid marriage certificate. Due to Shariah law, same-sex weddings are not accepted in the UAE even if a genuine and valid certification has been granted in your home country. This article discusses the kinds of marriages valid in the UAE.

Kinds of marriages valid in the UAE: a complete guide

1. Muslim Weddings

In Islam, marriages are performed in a basic manner. Women may be Christians, Jews, or Muslims; males must be Muslims. Provided that the bride must have converted to Islam. Before getting married, a medical test is required for any couple visiting Dubai on tourist visas. A residency visa is necessary for one partner to marry. Marriage is performed by the Sharia Court in Dubai, which deals with private concerns.

It must be witnessed by the bride, the bridegroom, and the bride’s father or guardian. It’s also necessary to have two Muslim males serve as witnesses.

Want to know : Marriage for Muslims and Non-Muslims

Required Legal Documents

For the Wedding, the following paperwork is necessary:

• Copies of the partners’ passports (i.e. Bride and Groom) along with the guardian’s and the witnesses’ identification papers.
• In the case of an Emirati bride, the bridegroom must provide proof of UAE citizenship.
• A medical examination certificate from a Dubai hospital attests to the parties’ health.
• The bride must provide proof of her divorce or widowhood, such as a court ruling or the ex-death husband’s certificate. If the divorce is a judicial decision, the bride must show it is final.
• A no objection Certificate to the Marriage if the bride is Muslim and her guardian is not Muslim is provided by the embassy or consulate of the bride’s country.
• The letter must include the groom’s name and marital status.

Read more about: Muslim and Christian Marriage in Dubai

2. Christian Marriages

• Marriages in the Anglican Church

At the Holy Trinity Church, the Christ Church in Jebel Ali, or St. Martin’s Church in Sharjah, Anglican wedding ceremonies may be performed. The UAE government acknowledges these. Additionally, Anglican Church ministers will perform wedding ceremonies elsewhere. It is suggested that ought to be life partners must state to the embassies of their intention to wed. A Marriage Notice may sometimes be presented within the embassy.

• Both parties must be above 18 and
• One of the partners must have a Dubai residency to be married at an Anglican church.
• Additionally, neither the bride nor the groom may be a Muslim.

Basic documents include:

• Evidence that both parties are permitted to marry.
• Certificate of Impediment (a document from their country of origin’s embassy stating they cannot be prevented from getting married abroad).
• If one or both parties are divorced or widowed, a copy of the judgment or death certificate of the former spouse must be submitted.
• Copies of the couple’s passports or national ID paperwork.
• passport-sized photos of each partner for the Marriage
• A baptismal certificate and a statement stating that the parties are non-Muslims are necessary.
• Residence authorization for one of the partners

Please take note that all papers must be authentic. If the original documents are in a different language, the bride and groom must present notarized translations into English.

You should know: Christian Marriage and Registration Procedure in UAE

• Roman Catholic Marriages

St. Mary’s Church is a licensed venue for Roman Catholic weddings. It is suggested that the soon-to-be bride and groom tell their embassies of their intention to wed. A Notice of Marriage may sometimes be presented within the embassy.

Requirements:

• At least one spouse must be a Roman Catholic
• One of the partners must be a resident of Dubai to be married at a Roman Catholic Church.
• Men and women must be at least 21 and at least 18 years old, respectively.
• The statement of intent to marry will then be displayed for three weeks on the church notice board.

You should read: Interfaith marriage – Hindu groom and Christian bride

Process for Roman Catholic and Anglican Marriages

• The marriage process is different in each church of the UAE and can take up to two months following the declaration of intention to Wedding. Each church can offer detailed information on its protocols.
• A meeting with the couple is required to discuss the Marriage with the priest. The couple then decides on a date whether they may be married there.
• The couple might have to undergo pre-marriage counselling by some religions, particularly the Catholic Church. In addition, the time between the Wedding’s request and the ceremony, when it is announced, might vary depending on the church.
• After the wedding ceremony, both couples must sign the marriage register at the church.

3. Hindu Marriage

Only nationals of India are eligible for this Marriage. Such marriages are officiated at the temple. UAE recognition is given to Hindu marriages solemnized in the UAE. It is a requirement that both parties must be Hindu and residents of Dubai.

The necessary paperwork is as follows:

• Application forms
• copy of the bride’s and groom’s passports
• Passports and copies for the bride’s parents and the groom’s parents
• An affidavit stating that both parties are allowed to be married from the Indian Embassy. It must be verified.

The temple provides the couple with a marriage certificate after the ceremony, which needs to be translated into Arabic.

Need to know more: Hindu Marriage Ceremony in Dubai

How can a Marriage Lawyer at Dubai Court Marriage help you?

The law in the United Arab Emirates governing Marriage is subject to a lot of change. All couples who intend to be married in the nation will find this article helpful and supportive information. We advise you to speak with one of the skilled marriage lawyers in the UAE at Dubai Court Marriage if you want to be able to comprehend the rules of this particular field of law.

You may get assistance from our team of marriage lawyers and legal advisers with procedure of court marriage in Dubai. Reach us at Dubai Court Marriage today!