Marriage in the UAE is not only considered a personal commitment, but also a legal contract. For a marriage to be valid, certain legal formalities and requirements have to be met according to the laws of UAE. Whether you’re a Muslim or a non-Muslim, a UAE national or an expatriate, it is important to know about marriage validity rules in the UAE so that there will be no legal repercussions in the future.
The article explains the UAE’s marriage laws, the required documents, recent changes, and the benefits of seeking legal help for the process.
Laws Governing Marriage in UAE
The UAE has established particular legal requirements that outline the process for registering and verifying marriages.
- For Muslims: Federal Decree-Law No. 41 of 2024 on Personal Status applies. The new law, which came into effect from 15th April, 2025, introduced certain changes to Muslim marriage practices.
- For Non-Muslims: Federal Decree-Law No. 41 of 2022 regulates marriage, divorce, inheritance, and custody. This law permits non-Muslims to marry under civil (secular) rules.
- In Abu Dhabi, Law No. 14 of 2021 gives non-Muslims the option to marry through the Abu Dhabi Civil Family Court.
These laws ensure that marriages are recognized and legally valid inside the UAE and also abroad when properly documented.
Essential Elements of Marriage under UAE Personal Status Law
The elements necessary for the conclusion of a marriage contract are:
- Offer and acceptance of spouses.
- 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.
Key Legal Requirements for Muslim Marriages in UAE
Here are the key legal requirements for Muslim marriages:
- A marriage contract needs to be registered in a Sharia court in the UAE.
- The legal age for marriage is 18 Georgian years; otherwise, the judge’s approval is required.
- The age difference between an unmarried woman and a man must not be more than 30 years; otherwise, the judge’s approval is sought.
- A premarital screening certificate is needed.
- Attendance of the couple is required.
- Attendance of the bride’s father or his proxy and two male Muslim witnesses is required.
- For a woman to get married, she needs the consent of her guardian. However, under the new law, the court can approve and complete the marriage at her request if the father prevents a woman from marrying a man of her choice.
- In case of the father’s death, the presence of the next closest male guardian i.e. closest kin, such as elder brother, is required.
- Divorced and widowed women must produce proof of their status.
- If the bride is Muslim and her father is not, she needs a ‘No Objection’ letter from her embassy or consulate.
Requirements for Civil Marriages (Non-Muslims)
To proceed with a civil marriage application in Dubai, the following conditions must be met:
- Both parties must be non-Muslims
- At least one of the parties must be a resident of Dubai
- The age of the couple must be at least 21 years old
- The couple or their legally authorized representatives must appear in person
- Original IDs are required to prove their identity details
- Proof of being single must be provided.
Note:
- The documents must be submitted as soft copies in PDF format.
- For documents in a language other than Arabic, certified Arabic translations stamped by the Ministry of Justice in the UAE are required.
- Documents issued from outside the UAE, must also be duly certified by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the country concerned, the UAE embassy in that country, and Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the UAE.
Documents Needed for Marriage in the UAE
To establish the legality of the marriage, there are documents that need to be submitted by the couple, which include:
- Passports and Emirates IDs
- Residence visa or entry permit proof (if any)
- Birth certificates (translated if not in Arabic and attested)
- Divorce certificate or death certificate of former spouse (if applicable for any previous marriage)
- No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the embassy or consulate (for some expatriates),
- Medical screening certificate (for Muslim marriage).
Translation into Arabic and attestation (by relevant authorities) of these documents is a prerequisite for acceptance in the UAE court.
Note: Document lists vary slightly depending on the emirate and by whether marriage is civil or Sharia.
Recent Changes in UAE Personal Status Law
The UAE government introduced new family law reforms which combine marriage processes with modernized family law systems.
- Minimum marriage age is set at 18 years for both men and women for Muslim marriages.
- Guardian’s authority reduced – A guardian’s objection no longer automatically invalidates a marriage if the bride has voluntarily consented.
- Non-Muslims now have additional civil marriage choices throughout Abu Dhabi and Dubai.
These reforms show the commitment of the UAE to bring family laws in line with international norms while still preserving cultural traditions.
What Makes a Marriage Invalid in the UAE?
A marriage may be declared invalid if:
- A Muslim marriage contract is filed for anyone who has not reached the age of (18) eighteen Gregorian years, whether male or female, except with the permission of the court.
- Consent was obtained through force or pressure.
- One or both parties are already married without disclosing it.
- The couple is related in a way prohibited by law.
- The process lacks two critical elements which are registration and medical screening.
The fulfillment of all conditions safeguards the rights of both spouses while preventing potential future conflicts regarding inheritance distribution, divorce proceedings, and child custody arrangements.
Why Marriage Validity Matters
A legally valid marriage is beneficial in the UAE in several ways:
- It is recognized in UAE courts and by international authorities.
- Both spouses have rights of inheritance.
- There is protection concerning child custody and guardianship.
- The right to alimony and also financial rights in case of divorce.
- Easing of travel and issuance of family visas upon the establishment of family status.
Couples who do not register their marriage may face problems concerning property rights, sponsorship of visas, or recognition of children’s legal status.
Conclusion
Understanding the marriage validity rules in the UAE is essential for both residents and expatriates. The legal validation of your marriage requires you to execute the proper steps of Sharia law or civil law and present all necessary documents.
How Marriage Lawyers at Dubai Court Marriage Can Help
Marriage in the UAE at times gets difficult due to differing laws governing Muslims and non-Muslims. Dubai Court Marriage has experienced marriage lawyers who can:
- Advise you on the law applying to your case.
- Draft and check all documentation prior to submission.
- Help with translations and attestations.
- Handle the court filing and approval process for you.
- Protect your rights and ensure that your marriage is considered legal under UAE law.
If you are planning to marry in the UAE, get in touch with the Dubai Court Marriage right away. Our marriage lawyers will make your marriage process simple, quick, and legally secure.
