The family system is established on marriage. Because the UAE is a safe country with a variety of family-friendly services, many individuals opt to be married there. If you know the rules and procedures, getting married here is pretty simple. Both natives and expats are subject to legal criteria and requirements for certifying a marriage in the country. Continue reading to learn more about court marriage in the UAE, including the procedure and paperwork necessary.
THE UAE’S MARRIAGE LAW
If you are currently renting in Dubai or Abu Dhabi and want to be married in the nation, there are several restrictions and legal procedures you must follow.
Marriage is the only legal link between a man and a woman in the UAE that allows them to create a family or partnership. The marriage contract in the UAE is based on Sharia Law, which protects the couple’s and their children’s rights.
Marriages between Muslim couples in the UAE must be registered with the Sharia Court. Those of other ethnic groups and religions, on the other hand, may have to go through a separate procedure. Let’s have a look at the different rules and regulations for getting married in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
GENERAL PRE-MARITAL REQUIREMENTS FOR MARRIAGE IN THE UNITED ARAB EMIRATES
Couples planning a court marriage in the UAE must complete the following pre-marital requirements:
- The bride’s agreement to the marriage
- The couple must get a pre-marital screening certificate from the Dubai Health Authority or the Abu Dhabi Department of Health.
- If the couple is in Dubai, at least one party (the wife, husband, or wife’s legal guardian) must have a UAE residence visa.
- For other emirates, both the bride and groom must be UAE residents and must provide proof of residency in the UAE.
ISLAMIC MARRIAGE IN THE UAE (SHARIA MARRIAGE)
Marriage between a Muslim couple in the UAE is carried out in line with Sharia Law. Sharia requirements apply to all Muslim marriages, regardless of country.
- The bride and groom must both be Muslims.
- The law also allows a Muslim man to marry a non-Muslim lady from the People of the Book, also known as the Ahl- Al-Kitaab. A Muslim woman, on the other hand, is not permitted to marry a non-Muslim man. In such a case, the groom’s proof of conversion to Islam is required.
- Polygamy is legal in the UAE. A Muslim man may have four wives as long as he provides equal nourishment and treatment to each.
LEGAL REQUIREMENTS FOR MUSLIM COUPLES’ COURT MARRIAGE
To have a Muslim marriage, the couple must fulfill the following legal requirements:
- It’s mandatory to register the marriage contract with the Sharia Court in the UAE
- The legal age for marriage is 18 Hijri years. If the bride or groom is below that established age limit, a judge’s approval is required
- A spouse’s age must not be twice the other. In such a case, the judge’s approval is needed
- A premarital screening certificate is mandatory
- The couple must attend the court for the wedding at the given date or for other formalities when needed
- Attendance of the bride’s father or his proxy and two male Muslim witnesses are required
- The woman to be married must acquire the consent of her father or a legal guardian for the marriage
- In the case of the bride’s 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 marital status
- If the bride is Muslim and her father is not, she needs a ‘No Objection’ letter from her embassy or consulate
- MOFA attests marriage certificates in the UAE so you are required to get the court wedding certificate in Dubai attested from MOFA.
IN COURT ENTITIES RESPONSIBLE FOR CONCLUDING ISLAMIC MARRIAGES
Mazoons are authorized marriage officers in each emirate in the UAE. The Mazoons follow Sharia law and perform marriages in UAE legal offices and Sharia courts.
The Ministry of Justice is another organization in charge of marriage in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and other emirates. The Ministry of Justice has also created an eMarriage service, which allows them to schedule an appointment with a designated marriage officer online.
Both the Judicial Department in Abu Dhabi and the Dubai Courts provide online marriage applications and marriage officers available to both foreigners and citizens. For applications and registrations in Dubai, the eZawaj online platform is utilized.
NON-MUSLIMS MARRIAGE IN THE UAE
In Dubai, a non-Muslim couple can marry at their place of worship, such as a temple or church. There are several beautiful churches in Dubai that are ideal for a wedding ceremony where Christian residents may be married, while Hindus can speak with religious authorities in the major temples in Bur Dubai to organize a marriage in Dubai.
Non-Muslims can also marry at their home country’s embassy or consulate in the UAE. The marriage certificate must be obtained from the Judicial Department in any situation.
UNIQUE CASES
- A foreigner who wishes to marry an Emirati citizen must receive a certificate of good behavior and conduct from the Abu Dhabi Police.
- Emirati women who have legally immigrated are not permitted to marry a foreigner.
DOCUMENTS REQUIRED IN THE UAE FOR COURT MARRIAGE
These documents are needed if you’re planning to get married in Abu Dhabi, Dubai or other emirates:
- Original birth certificates
- Original passport
- Proof of residence in the UAE ( self or guardianship)
- Valid Emirates ID
- A healthy fitness certificate for marriage
- A certificate of proof of marital status for both parties (single, married, divorced). The certificate must be certified by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the applicant and the UAE Consulate if the certificate was issued from outside the country.
- A local proof of marital status certificate can also be issued by the consulate of the applicant and the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Please keep in mind that the papers necessary may vary based on the circumstance. For further information on the criteria, spouses should contact their country’s embassy in the UAE.
That ends our comprehensive guide to court marriage in the UAE. If you want to marry as an expat in Dubai, make sure you have all of the necessary paperwork and certifications. This will help the marriage registration procedure go more smoothly.
Check out our comprehensive 24-hour marriage service in Dubai for information on the procedure and legal requirements for getting married in the UAE.
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