Question 1

Q1. What is the minimum legal age for marriage in the UAE?

Accepted Answer

Under the current UAE Personal Status Law, legal capacity for marriage is reached at 18 Gregorian years for both males and females.

Question 2

Q2. Can someone under 18 get married in the UAE?

Accepted Answer

Only through the exceptional court process provided by law. A marriage involving a person under 18 requires court permission and compliance with the controls and procedures governing early marriage.

Question 3

Q3. Is parental or guardian consent enough for marriage under 18?

Accepted Answer

No. Family or guardian approval does not replace the required court permission for documenting a marriage involving a person under 18.

Question 4

Q4. What is the minimum age for civil marriage in Dubai?

Accepted Answer

Dubai Courts currently requires both parties to be at least 21 years old for its civil-marriage service.

Question 5

Q5. What is the minimum age for civil marriage in Abu Dhabi?

Accepted Answer

Both parties must be at least 18 years old for Abu Dhabi civil marriage, subject to the other eligibility conditions of the Civil Family Court.

Question 6

Q6. Is there a maximum age gap for marriage in the UAE?

Accepted Answer

There is no general rule that one spouse cannot be twice the age of the other. Under the current Personal Status Law, court permission is required where the fiancée is a virgin and the age difference between her and the fiancé exceeds 30 years.

legal age for marriage in UAE