In accordance with UAE legislation, a bride, not having been previously emancipated by a marriage, is required to secure the approval of the father or legal guardian and exhibit such to the local registrar in order to get married in Dubai or anywhere in UAE. Such consent has to be put into writing by the relevant party, who also has to appear before the marriage officer during the wedding. Any marriage contract that does not have the approval of the father or legal guardian will be considered null and void. Should the marriage be consummated, the couple is going to be separated?
For court marriage in UAE with a bride that does not have any natural guardian required in getting married, it is best to seek the advice of a marriage attorney in UAE in order to secure the approval of a judge.
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Marriage Requirements in UAE for Expats and Residents
If you are a UAE national or resident and you want to marry, the following requirements have to be fully complied:
- The marriage contract of the couple must be registered with a UAE Sharia court, for a Muslim marriage
- Contracting parties of legal age
- The age of the spouse shouldn’t be twice of the other
- Premarital screening certificate for both the groom and the bride
- The couple’s attendance
- Father of the bride’s attendance
- Two male witnesses
- Consent of the guardian
- Proof of marital status for widowed or divorced women
- No objection letter duly attested if the father of the bride is not a Muslim
Read also: Procedures for Expatriate Marriage in UAE
Take note: a marriage application can be denied if a contracting party to a marriage in UAE suffers from any of the following:
- a transferable disease
- a blood disease inherited genetically
For UAE nationals, additional marriage requirements are as follows:
- Family book
- AED 50,000 as maximum dowry limit
- An Ajman national has to secure approval of Ajman Sharia Court if the bride is not from a GCC country
- If a member of the Armed Forces or an employee of the Police or Ministry/Dept of Foreign Affairs and wishes in marrying a UAE resident or expatriate, special permission has to be obtained from the employer
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Marriage Requirements for GCC Nationals and Islamic Countries
For a GCC national or citizen of another Islamic country, the following must be complied:
- A woman from Yemen that plans in marrying a man from a different country have to obtain consent from the Yemeni government
- A citizen of Bahrain or Saudi Arabia planning on marrying in UAE to a person of a different nationality has to obtain approval from their originating country
Marriage Requirements for Emirati Women Marrying Foreigners
For an Emirati woman who will marry an expatriate man, additional marriage requirements are as follows:
- Consent from the guardian or surviving parent
- A permit to marry issued by the employer if the Emirati woman is a member of the Armed Forces
- Nationality of the UAE national bride mustn’t have been obtained through dependency
- Prospective groom of the Emirati woman mustn’t be stateless, must be a UAE resident, and must have a good conduct certificate issued by the local authorities
Marriage Requirements for Non-Muslim Expats in UAE
For a non-Muslim expatriate in UAE, other requirements apart from the aforementioned general marriage requirements are as follows:
- Marriage has to be approved by the consulate or embassy of a contracting party’s country in the UAE
- Depending on the contracting parties’ religious affiliation, marriage may be conducted at the local courts for a UAE court marriage or at a church or temple.
Read also: Muslim and Christian Marriage in Dubai
Expatriates residing in UAE may be required in filing an application for intent to marry with their consulate or embassy stationed in UAE. A couple is advised in seeking the legal counsel of a marriage attorney in the UAE as marriage may also have to be registered with the embassies of the contracting parties to a marriage.
For documents that are issued abroad, there is a need to have them undergo document attestation. Document attestation is the process of confirming the authenticity of documents and validity of seals and signatures on the legal paperwork that was issued abroad. Documents issued in UAE may also require attestation, depending on the type of document.
Also read: Married Couples Need a Power of Attorney in UAE?
Consultation with a UAE Marriage Attorney
Couples are recommended to consult with a marriage attorney in UAE to comply with legal processes and requirements, most especially for court marriage in UAE.
To talk to reputable marriage attorneys in UAE today, call us here in Dubai Court Marriage!
Dubai Court Marriage
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FAQ’s
Is marriage without parental consent allowed in the UAE?
Yes, in certain cases marriage is allowed without parental consent in the UAE, especially for non-Muslim couples under the civil marriage system where only the consent of both adults is required.
Is parental consent required for Muslim marriages in the UAE?
Yes, in Muslim marriages under Sharia law, the presence and approval of a guardian (Wali) is generally required. These marriages are conducted through authorities such as the Sharia Court Dubai.
Can an adult woman marry without parental consent in the UAE?
Yes, in civil marriages, an adult woman can marry independently. In Sharia marriages, if a guardian refuses consent without valid reason, the bride can approach the court for approval.
What happens if a guardian refuses consent?
If the refusal is unjustified, the court may intervene and allow the marriage to proceed, ensuring the rights and best interests of the bride are protected.
Is a marriage without parental consent legally valid in the UAE?
Yes, as long as the marriage follows the correct legal process—either civil or Sharia—it is legally recognized in the UAE.
Does age affect the requirement for parental consent?
Yes, both parties must meet the legal age requirement (usually 18+). If one party is underage, parental or guardian consent along with court approval is mandatory.
