Sharia Marriage Rules in the UAE: Everything Couples Should Know for 2025

Marriage according to Sharia is the legally recognized form of marriage for a Muslim couple under the laws of the UAE. Under the Personal Status Law of the UAE, these laws were recently updated in 2025, taking into account changes in the legal environment while keeping the Sharia tradition intact.

Complete guide on the Sharia marriage rules for couples planning to tie the knot in the UAE.

1. Who needs a Sharia marriage?

Sharia (Islamic) marriage is required when:

• Both bride and groom are Muslims, or
• The groom is a Muslim and the bride is an Ahl al Kitāb, such as Christian.
• Non-Muslims may enter a civil marriage in accordance with Federal Decree Law 41/2022 in Dubai or Abu Dhabi courts, which is independent of a Sharia marriage.

2. Age and Guardian Consent

• For marriage, the minimum legal age is 18 Gregorian years. In case either of the parties is younger than 18, special permission from a judge is required.
• In cases where the woman is unmarried and the age difference between her and the man (to be husband) is more than (30) thirty years, the marriage shall not be concluded except with the permit of the Court.
• The guardian if the wife is Muslim, with the exception of a non-citizen Muslim wife, if the law of her nationality does not require her to have a guardian in marriage.
• When a guardian refuses to permit a marriage without any valid reason, the court has the power to approve that marriage.

3. Documents and Medical Screening

To undertake Sharia marriage in the Emirate, the couple must have the following:

For UAE Nationals:

• Emirates ID
• Family Book (Khulasat al-Qaid)
• Premarital screening certificate
• No-objection certificate (if previously married)

For Expat Muslims:

• Valid passport and UAE residence visa
• Attested birth certificate
• Certificate of no impediment to marriage
• Premarital screening certificate
• Salary certificate or employment letter

In addition, all couples shall undergo premarital medical examinations. The purpose is to investigate genetic disorders and infectious diseases. Some medical conditions is found, it may lead to the rejection of the marriage application.

4. Conduct of Marriage Ceremony:

The Islamic marriage ceremony is referred to as Nikāḥ, and such Nikāḥ is conducted by UAE Judicial departments and Sharia courts or through the services of authorized marriage officers (Mazoons) in each emirate.

The ceremony must hence:

• Be witnessed by two male Muslims
• Include the offer and acceptance between the bride and groom;
• Mention the agreed mahr (dowry);
• Be signed by the couple, the Ma’zoun and the witnesses.
• On completion, the marriage must be registered in the court no later than 30 days.

5. Mahr (Dowry) and financial duties

• Mahr is an obligatory gift given by the groom to the bride. It is thus recognized as her legal right and remains her personal property.
• According to Federal Law No. 21 of 1997 on Fixing the Dowry in the Contract of Marriage and Its Expenses, the advance dowry in Islamic marriage may not exceed AED 20,000 and the deferred dowry may not exceed AED 30,000.
• Maintenance, including housing, food, clothes, education, and medical needs, is a legal obligation that the husband owes, even though the wife may have independent means. In this regard, failure to pay maintenance, for a period exceeding thirty days, may lead to grounds for divorce or enforcement of the action.

6. Engagement and gift rules

Under the law of the UAE, an engagement is not considered a binding contract. However, should the engagement be called off:

• If one or both parties withdraw from the engagement, only gifts conditional on the completion of the marriage shall be returned, and
• Valuable gifts each of which exceeds (25,000) twenty-five thousand dirhams in value, if they still exist, otherwise by their equivalent or their value on the day of receipt, unless the gift is consumable by nature.
• If the engagement ends by death, or for a reason beyond the control of either party, none of the gifts may be redeemed.

7. Property and inheritance contributions

The law of 2025 recognizes both financial and non-financial contributions in marriage. Therefore: 

• Each one of the spouses shall have an independent financial entity, and the wife is free to dispose of her property, and the husband shall not dispose of her property without her consent.
• If one of the spouses participates with the other in developing property, building a house, or the like, he/she has the right to claim his/her share of it from the other party or the heirs.

8. Divorce, Child Custody, and Maintenance.

• Talaq: divorce at the husband’s initiative.
• Khul’a: It is a separation between spouses at the request of the wife and the husband’s acceptance of the consideration offered by the wife or someone else.
• Tatleeq (court-authorized divorce): Divorce authorized by the court due to harm or non-fulfillment of responsibilities.
• As per the personal status law, custody ends when the child reaches the age of (18) eighteen Gregorian years.
• If the child in custody reaches the age of (15) fifteen, he/she is entitled to choose to reside with one of his/her parents, unless the interest of the child in custody requires otherwise.
• The maintenance of a young child who has no money is the responsibility of his father, until the girl marries or works, and until the boy reaches the age at which his peers can earn a living, unless he is a student who continues his studies with usual success in accordance with custom and in accordance with what the court estimates.

Read more about – Marriage by Video Call for Muslims in the UAE: Is It Legally Valid and Can You Sponsor Your Spouse?

Final thoughts: Preparing for a Sharia Marriage in 2025

To summarize, couples intending to undergo a Sharia marriage in the UAE in 2025 should:

• Attain the age of 18 years or older and satisfy all the guardian consent requirements.
• Undergo all necessary medical checks and present required documents.
• Make explicit agreements with respect to mahr, which should be recorded in the marriage contract.
• Understand all the new property and custody regulations under such a legal framework.

These rules afford protection to both parties and ensure conformity to Islamic principles as well as contemporary legal standards.

You may want to know: What is the difference between Nikah and civil marriage?

How may Marriage Lawyers at Dubai Court Marriage Assist You?

At Dubai Court Marriage, our Marriage lawyers or family law attorneys that specialize in UAE Personal Status Law may assist you by:

• Advising on guardian consent rules or appeals if objections arise;
• Drafting or reviewing marriage contracts, mahr terms and engagements;
• Ensuring compliance with premarital screening, documentation, and court registration;
• Representing you in claims of custody, maintenance, divorce, or property rights regarding the new law.

Whether you’re planning your marriage or dealing with legal challenges, a licensed marriage lawyer in the UAE can help safeguard your interests and make the process smooth. To avoid legal hurdles and protect your rights, engage a family law expert for a smooth and secure marriage journey.