Getting married in Dubai isn’t very complicated compared to the other legal procedures in the UAE. But, just like with all other processes, it is going to take you a couple of trips to several different government entities, digging out legal paperwork, photocopying documents, and getting passport size photographs.
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Depending on the nationality, legal status, and other factors of a contracting party to a marriage, there may be a need to produce attested birth certificates, passports, residency permits, and divorce papers among others. Take note: marriage officers would require at least a month of notice for the intention of getting married.
General Practices for UAE Marriages
The traditional marriage in UAE, in the earlier days, can be very tribal. A marriage takes place between related family members that are encouraged in producing offspring. It was encouraged to marry a cousin or any other family member in order to strengthen the tribe. It was also a common occurrence in the past to marry someone from another tribe to heal rifts that are in between two families.
In a typical UAE marriage, a groom will discuss matters such as dowry with the father of the bride. A couple is allowed in meetings provided that there’s a watchful eye or chaperon. If the groom and the bride’s brother have agreed to the terms of the marriage mutually, then an actual marriage would be performed by a religious representative. A bride will be asked if she is in agreement to the marriage and the same exact question will be asked to the groom, as well.
After the agreement, both the groom and the father-in-law will shake hands. This is for the marriage to be considered official. Marriage was done in the midst of two male witnesses. Wedding celebrations were divided wherein the women are celebrating in a different room of the house while the men are in another. On the very last night of the festivities, both the husband and the wife will meet accompanied by their family and friends so they can eventually leave for their honeymoon.
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Muslim Marriages in Dubai
Muslim men in Dubai are allowed in having several wives if he is able to look after all of the wives materially. All wives are to be treated equally. Although the practice isn’t as common now, there are still those that can afford to retain more than one wife. Muslim marriages in UAE, particularly in Dubai, are performed at Dubai Court. A couple is to provide two male witnesses in order for a marriage to be carried out. For Muslim men to marry a non-Muslim, the bride should first convert to Islam.
Read also: Everything you should know about the Nikah ceremony in the UAE
Christian Marriage in Dubai
Among the non-Muslim marriages that are granted complete recognition by the UAE government are Christian marriages. Christian marriages are performed in churches and registered with the Ministry/Department of Foreign Affairs. A clergy that is recognized by the government agency performs a catholic marriage.
Certain churches, including Anglican and Catholic churches, are licensed in carrying out religious ceremonies for marriage in Dubai. If you want to marry in Dubai and in a Catholic church, there’s a need to attend a couple of preparation courses. Attendance certificates will be issued for the courses. It is advised to provide at least three months of notice in advance for marriage preparations to take place.
Some of the requirements for Christian marriage in Dubai include:
- An attendance certificate for a marriage preparation course
- Passport copy and original
- Residency visa copy and original
- Baptismal certificate
- Confirmation certificate
- Capacity in marrying certificate that’s issued by Catholic Church
Note: couples that wish to marry in Dubai, UAE are required in undergoing premarital medical screening tests. All couples are mandated to do so in accordance to local regulations and local government’s efforts in combatting genetic risks associated with marriage.
Read also: Marriage Requirements in Dubai for Tourists
Marriage Lawyers in Dubai for Catholic and Muslim Marriage
If you’re looking at ways in saving yourself from the stress and hassle that is associated with red tape for marriage in Dubai, you’re not alone! At Dubai Court Marriage, we’ve assisted hundreds of couples and helped ensure a smooth and successful marriage.
What most locals and expats prefer is court marriage in Dubai if they want to save money. In order to get married at the Dubai Court, you would only have to help us gather all the documents that are necessary. Our legal team can take care of the whole process for you. This includes advising regarding the conditions for marriage depending on the nationality, legal status, residency of the contracting party to a marriage. Our seasoned marriage lawyers in Dubai will also help with processing the requirements and issuance of a marriage license. Traditional weddings can cost more in Dubai. Regardless of what you choose catholic and Muslim marriage, may it be a courthouse wedding or a traditional one, we can help! Call us now for more info.
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FAQ’s
Is it possible to marry a Muslim and Christian in Dubai?
Yes, a Muslim man is allowed to marry a Christian woman in Dubai under the Islamic law. But according to the Sharia that is practiced in the UAE, a Muslim woman is not usually allowed to marry a non-Muslim man without his conversion to Islam.
In which city is a Muslim-Christian marriage performed in Dubai?
This type of marriage is normally performed in the Sharia Court Dubai because the marriage is under the Islamic law when one of the parties is a Muslim. This is not a situation where civil marriage can be used.
What does it take to marry a Muslim-Christian?
The couple should fulfill Islamic marriage requirements, such as consent between the two, the bride should have a guardian (Wali), two Muslim witnesses, and a premarital medical examination. The Christian bride should be of an established People of the Book religion.
Does a Muslim-Christian marriage in Dubai need conversion?
There is no need to convert when a Muslim man marries a Christian woman. But in the event that the bride is a Muslim and the groom is a Christian, the groom has to convert to Islam to be allowed to marry the bride according to UAE Sharia law.
Is the marriage legally acknowledged in other countries?
Yes, the marriage is legally recognized in the UAE when it is duly registered in the appropriate court and can be recognized internationally, after attestation, based on the laws of the countries of origin of the couple.
