The UAE offers couples several legally recognised ways to marry, but the correct procedure depends on factors such as religion, residency, nationality and the emirate where the marriage is registered.
For couples considering a UAE court marriage, the first step is to determine whether the marriage will proceed under the civil marriage framework for eligible non-Muslims or under Sharia-based marriage procedures for Muslims. Dubai and Abu Dhabi also have different civil marriage eligibility rules, documents, fees and application routes.
Need assistance with marriage procedures in the UAE? Send us an enquiry.
What Is a Court Marriage in the UAE?
A court marriage is a marriage formally concluded or registered through the competent UAE judicial authority. It should not automatically be treated as the same thing as a civil marriage.
There are two important routes:
- Civil marriage: a non-religious legal marriage available to eligible couples under the applicable civil personal status framework.
- Sharia marriage: an Islamic marriage conducted in accordance with the UAE Personal Status Law and Sharia requirements.
Couples planning a non-religious marriage in Dubai can review the dedicated civil marriage in Dubai service for eligibility and application support.
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Which Authorities Handle Court Marriages in the UAE?
The competent authority depends on the emirate and type of marriage.
- Dubai Courts handles Sharia marriage contracts and civil marriages for eligible non-Muslim couples in Dubai.
- Abu Dhabi Judicial Department (ADJD) operates the Civil Family Court and provides a separate civil marriage route in Abu Dhabi.
- Federal Sharia courts and authorised marriage officials operate in emirates falling within the federal judicial system.
- The UAE Ministry of Justice provides electronic marriage services for eligible Sharia marriage applications through the federal system.
The applicable procedure should therefore be confirmed before preparing documents or booking a marriage appointment.
Dubai Civil Marriage Requirements for Non-Muslims
Dubai Courts currently permits eligible non-Muslim couples to conclude a civil marriage in Dubai, subject to specific requirements.
The main conditions include:
- Both parties must be non-Muslim.
- Both parties must be at least 21 Gregorian years old.
- At least one party must be a resident of Dubai.
- The parties must attend personally or through an authorised legal representative where permitted.
- The parties must provide the required identification and proof of marital status.
Documents issued outside the UAE may need to be properly authenticated and legally translated into Arabic before they are accepted by Dubai Courts.
For more detail on eligibility, see our guide to the legal conditions for UAE court marriage.
Documents Required for Civil Marriage in Dubai
The exact document requirements can vary according to the couple’s nationality, marital history and individual circumstances. Common requirements include:
- Original identification documents and valid passports.
- Emirates ID or evidence of Dubai residency for the relevant party.
- Proof of current marital status.
- Final divorce documentation if either party was previously divorced.
- Death certificate of a previous spouse where applicable.
- Power of attorney where an authorised representative is used.
- Attested and legally translated foreign documents where required.
Unlike a Sharia marriage, a premarital medical fitness certificate is not a standard requirement for Dubai civil marriage.
Dubai Court Marriage Fees
Dubai Courts currently lists a fee of AED 220 for issuance of the marriage certificate, excluding the applicable Marriage Official fee.
Couples should distinguish official court fees from professional fees charged by lawyers, legal consultants, translation providers, attestation providers or other service providers assisting with the application.
Additional costs can arise where foreign documents require attestation, Arabic legal translation or other supporting formalities.
Islamic Court Marriage in the UAE
Marriage involving Muslims is governed by Federal Decree-Law No. 41 of 2024 on the Personal Status Law, which came into force on 15 April 2025.
Sharia marriage rules generally apply where:
- both the bride and groom are Muslim; or
- the groom is Muslim and the bride is Christian or Jewish.
A Muslim woman cannot marry a non-Muslim man under the Sharia marriage framework unless he has converted to Islam.
Under the current Personal Status Law, the marriage contract must satisfy requirements relating to consent, eligibility, the guardian where legally required and the testimony of two witnesses.
You can also review the difference between Nikah and civil marriage before deciding which marriage route applies to your circumstances.
Documents for a Sharia Marriage in the UAE
Requirements may differ between emirates and individual cases, but Sharia marriage applications commonly involve:
- Valid Emirates IDs for UAE citizens or residents.
- Valid passports or travel documents for non-Emirati parties.
- Premarital medical screening certificate from an approved facility.
- Proof of marital status where required.
- Final divorce certificate where either party was previously divorced.
- Death certificate where a previous spouse is deceased.
- Identification documents for the required witnesses.
- Guardian documentation or authority where legally applicable.
Foreign-issued documents may need official attestation and an approved Arabic legal translation before submission.
Premarital Medical Screening for Muslim Marriage
Premarital medical screening is mandatory for Sharia marriages. The marriage contract cannot normally be registered without the required medical certificate issued through an approved UAE health facility.
This requirement should not be confused with civil marriage procedures, where premarital medical screening is generally not required.
Civil Marriage in Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi operates a separate civil marriage system through the Abu Dhabi Civil Family Court. Its eligibility and procedures differ significantly from Dubai.
In Abu Dhabi:
- UAE residency is not required for the standard civil marriage service.
- Tourists may submit an application online and travel to Abu Dhabi for the ceremony.
- Both parties must generally be at least 18 years old.
- No witnesses are required for the civil marriage ceremony.
- A premarital medical certificate is not required under the Abu Dhabi civil marriage framework.
The standard civil marriage application fee is currently AED 300 and is processed within up to 10 working days. The urgent service costs AED 2,500 and is processed within one working day, subject to the applicable court procedure and availability.
Can Non-Muslims Marry Through an Embassy or Religious Institution?
Non-Muslim expatriates may also have marriage options through their embassy, consulate or an authorised religious institution, depending on their nationality, religion and the rules of the relevant authority.
These ceremonial or consular routes should not be confused with a civil marriage registered directly through Dubai Courts or the Abu Dhabi Civil Family Court.
Where a marriage is concluded through a church, embassy or other authorised body, additional registration, certification or attestation may be needed depending on how and where the marriage certificate will be used.
Marriage Between a UAE National and a Foreigner
Marriage involving a UAE national may be subject to additional conditions, approvals or documentary requirements depending on the nationality, religion, employment status and circumstances of the couple.
Because these cases can involve rules that do not apply to ordinary expatriate marriages, couples should review the requirements separately. See our guide to marriage between a UAE national and a foreigner.
How to Register a Court Marriage in the UAE
Although the exact procedure depends on the marriage route and emirate, the process generally involves:
- Determine the correct marriage route. Confirm whether the marriage will proceed under civil or Sharia rules.
- Check eligibility. Review age, religion, residency and marital-status requirements.
- Prepare the documents. Gather passports, IDs, marital-status documents and any additional evidence required for the application.
- Complete attestation and translation. Foreign documents may need authentication and approved Arabic translation.
- Submit the marriage application. File through the appropriate court, authorised centre or electronic service.
- Attend the required appointment or ceremony. Attendance rules depend on the type of marriage and authority.
- Receive the marriage certificate. Once the procedure is completed, the competent authority issues the approved marriage certificate.
UAE Court Marriage Certificate and Overseas Use
A marriage certificate properly issued by the competent UAE authority is legally recognised in the UAE.
However, couples should not assume that a UAE marriage certificate is automatically accepted for every purpose in every foreign country. Where the certificate will be used abroad for immigration, spouse sponsorship, nationality, civil registration or another official purpose, the receiving country or authority may require additional authentication, legalisation, translation or registration.
The requirements should therefore be checked with the authority where the certificate will ultimately be submitted.
Get Assistance With UAE Court Marriage Procedures
Marriage procedures in the UAE now vary considerably between Dubai civil marriage, Abu Dhabi civil marriage and Sharia marriage. Using the wrong document list or applying under the wrong route can lead to unnecessary delays or rejection.
Dubai Court Marriage assists couples with eligibility checks, document preparation, court applications and related marriage formalities. You can explore our Dubai Court Marriage services or contact our team before submitting your application.
Our team can help you identify the appropriate marriage route and prepare the documentation required for your circumstances.
Dubai Court Marriage
Consult with us: With over 20+ years of experience
FAQs on UAE Court Marriage
What is a court marriage in the UAE?
A court marriage is a legally recognised marriage concluded or registered through the competent UAE judicial authority. Depending on the couple’s circumstances, the marriage may follow civil marriage rules for eligible couples or Sharia marriage rules for Muslims.
Who can have a civil marriage in Dubai?
Dubai civil marriage is available to eligible non-Muslim couples. Both parties must be at least 21 years old and at least one party must be a resident of Dubai. The required marital-status and identification documents must also be submitted.
What documents are required for a Dubai court marriage?
The documents depend on the marriage route. Civil marriage commonly requires identification, proof of Dubai residency for the relevant party and proof of marital status. Sharia marriages may additionally require a premarital medical certificate, witnesses and guardian documentation where applicable.
How much is the Dubai Court marriage fee?
Dubai Courts currently lists AED 220 as the marriage certificate issuance fee, excluding the Marriage Official fee. Additional costs may apply for professional assistance, translation, attestation or other supporting procedures.
Can tourists get married through a UAE court?
Tourists can use the Abu Dhabi civil marriage service if they meet its eligibility requirements. Dubai civil marriage has a different residency condition and currently requires at least one party to be a resident of Dubai.
How long does a UAE court marriage take?
Processing depends on the emirate, marriage route, document readiness and appointment availability. Abu Dhabi currently states up to 10 working days for its standard civil marriage service and within one working day for the urgent service. Dubai and Sharia marriage timelines depend on the applicable court procedure and appointment availability.
Is a UAE court marriage certificate accepted abroad?
A marriage certificate validly issued in the UAE can be used abroad, but the receiving country or authority may require attestation, legalisation, translation or local registration before accepting it for immigration, civil-status or other official purposes.
