The Abu Dhabi Civil Marriage Law No. 14 of 2021 introduced the concept of civil marriage in the UAE. This law regulates and outlines the rules and procedures of civil marriages. Here, we answer some frequently asked questions to help you understand the rules and procedures of civil marriage in Abu Dhabi.
A civil marriage is the lawful union of a man and woman solemnized as a civil contract and regulated by Articles 4 and 5 of the Civil Marriage Law No. 14 of 2021.
Conditions Governing Civil Marriage in Abu Dhabi: To conclude a civil marriage in Abu Dhabi certain requirements have to be met as per Article 4:
Both parties must have attained at least 18 years of age, which can be confirmed through their country's official identification document.
Each spouse must declare his/her consent before the authenticating judge, showing there are no legal obstacles.
Both parties are required to submit a declaration form, and parties should sign this form.
It prohibited certain family relationships, such as marriage between siblings, parents, and children, and other conditions imposed by the cabinet decision.
Procedures for Effecting Civil Marriages: Article 5 explains the procedures for contracting a civil marriage in Abu Dhabi:
Application should be submitted before an authentication judge at the Abu Dhabi Civil Family Court Department with an application form obtained from the department. It is not mandatory to submit the pre-marriage medical examination certificate.
The marriage application form should mention the previous marital relationship, if so. It is required to mention the date of divorce and provide proof that there is no existing marriage relationship.
The judge may authorize the approval of the marriage ceremony after the form meets all conditions, and the authentication judge may record the marriages in an official register.
Key Differences Between Non-Muslim Civil Marriage Law and Muslim Personal Status Law Marriage Rules:
Guardian’s consent is not necessary in a civil marriage, but it is necessary to proceed in Muslim marriages under the personal status law.
Medical examination is not required for civil marriage; however, it is mandatory to be complied with when contracting marriage under personal status law.
According to the civil marriage law, marriage between individuals who follow different religious beliefs is allowed, other than UAE nationals.
Under the civil marriage law in Abu Dhabi, non-residents can also apply for civil marriage.
Application Procedure for Civil Marriage:
Regardless of whether you are a tourist or a resident of the UAE, you can seek a civil marriage by applying for online services. Regular service may be completed within ten working days, whereas express service takes within one day.
Legal Update:
The above information might not apply if both parties are non-muslim. Starting from the 1st of February 2023, UAE issued specific family law to be applied between non-muslim expatriate residents in case none of them wanted to apply his/her home country's law in the UAE. To know more information about this law, please feel free to click this link.
Dr. Hassan Elhais publishes analysis of UAE family law matters, including marriage, marital relationships and related family-law questions. For readers researching family lawyers in Dubai, his writing offers insight into the legal questions surrounding these topics. Explore his published work and practice-area information for further context.
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