Civil marriage was first adopted in the United Arab Emirates under Federal Law No. (14) of 2021 concerning Personal Status for Non-Muslims. This law aims to accommodate the country’s cultural and religious diversity, allowing non-Muslims to enter into civil marriage contracts that align with the laws of their home countries or their personal beliefs.

Key Provisions of Civil Marriage in the UAE

• It applies to non-Muslims who are residents or visitors in the country.
• Civil marriage is based on the equality of spouses in both rights and duties.
• It does not require a legal guardian or a dowry, and there is no need to prove financial capacity.
• It can be officially documented before a Civil Family Court, particularly in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.
• It allows spouses residing in the UAE to choose the law they wish to apply in case of disputes, such as divorce or child custody.

If you need a consultation regarding civil marriage, please contact us at Samaha Legal Consultancy.

Civil Marriage for Muslims in the UAE

Applying the civil marriage system to Muslim citizens is challenging, as their marriages are directly governed by the provisions of Islamic Sharia, which are also regulated by the UAE Personal Status Law No. (41) of 2024.

This type of marriage requires the presence of a legal guardian, a dowry, and two witnesses, in addition to adhering to the rules of Islamic jurisprudence.

However, the Civil Family Court in Abu Dhabi is responsible for legalizing civil marriages for any person wishing to marry, regardless of their religion or nationality, with the exception of Muslim Emirati citizens, as mentioned earlier.

In some specific cases, a party (especially those with mixed backgrounds or multiple nationalities) might attempt to conduct a civil marriage in countries that recognize it outside the UAE, and then seek to document it within the country.

However, this remains subject to the discretion of the competent authorities and may not be locally recognized if it conflicts with public order or Sharia.

Conditions for Civil Marriage under UAE Law

Through the Personal Status Law for Non-Muslims, Federal Law No. (14) of 2021, the UAE has adopted clear and regulated conditions for civil marriage, which help ensure the protection of both parties’ rights and achieve fairness and transparency in the marital relationship.

The following are the essential conditions for a civil marriage contract to be considered legal:

• Legal Age: Both spouses must be at least 21 years old, which is the legal age for civil marriage.
  This age must be proven with official documents (passport or ID card).
• Full and Uncoerced Consent: Any marriage performed under coercion or pressure is not recognized.
  The marriage must be based on the complete free will of both parties, which is verified before the judge during the contract signing.
• No Prohibited Kinship: Civil marriage prohibits marriage between first-degree relatives (such as siblings or parents and children) and requires the absence of any kinship that would render the marriage void according to civil standards.
• No Existing Marriage: Both parties must be unmarried at the time of applying for the civil marriage.
  In the case of divorce or the death of a previous spouse, legal documents must be provided to prove the end of the previous relationship.
• Compliance with any Additional Legal Requirements: Additional documents may be required, such as a “no-objection” certificate from the embassy of the parties’ home countries, or a legal translation of documents if needed.

Procedures for Civil Marriage

The UAE, specifically the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, has provided a simple legal path for non-Muslims to enter into a civil marriage contract.

This process involves several clear and straightforward steps that help all parties complete the marriage quickly and officially.

This process is supervised by the Civil Family Court, which is part of the Department of Judiciary, The key stages and procedures for civil marriage are as follows:

• Application Submission: Both parties begin by submitting an application for a civil marriage contract through the official website of the Abu Dhabi Department of Judiciary, or by appearing in person at the competent court.
  They fill out an electronic form with their details and select an appointment for the marriage ceremony.
• Preparation of Required Documents: The essential documents include:
  1. Copies of passports and ID cards.
  2. A no-objection certificate from the embassy or consulate (in some cases).
  3. A divorce or death certificate if either party was previously married.
  4. A legal translation of any documents not in English or Arabic.
• Application Review and Verification: The court reviews the documents and verifies that all legal conditions are met, especially the legal age, absence of kinship, and no existing marriage for either party.
• Scheduling a Marriage Session: After the application is approved, a short session is scheduled before a civil judge.
  Both parties must attend to sign the contract and declare their free will to marry.
• Contract Signing and Document Issuance: Both parties sign the marriage contract in the presence of the judge, and an official civil marriage certificate is issued by the court.

You can contact the best law firm in the UAE or seek legal advice from our office, Samaha Legal Consultants, to get a consultation on civil marriage in the UAE.

How We Can Assist You with Civil Marriage Matters in the UAE through Samaha Legal Consultancy

Completing a civil marriage in the UAE requires a precise understanding of all legal procedures and required documents, especially for residents and visitors of different nationalities.

This is where the role of Samaha Legal Consultancy becomes clear, as we ensure a smooth and complication-free legal experience for you. Contact Us.