I WANT TO GET MARRIED IN UAE, WHAT ARE MY OPTIONS?

Introduction to Marriages in UAE

When considering options and venues for marriages in UAE the first question that arises is the religion of the to be spouses as this determines the options.

In this publications we concentrate on non-Muslim marriages, Muslim marriages and the option of a mixed marriage and in which scenarios can take place.

Non-Muslim Marriages in UAE

Currently there are two options. We list below the requirements and associated costs for each one of them, for Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

In addition to these two local options, embassies are also a third alternative that however exceed the scope of this publication. Please send us a direct text if you wish to proceed with an Embassy marriage at info@rubertpartners.com

Dubai Courts

Requirements

 

1. To be over 21 years old in Gregorian years. Copy of Passports for both.
2. One of the spouses must have a Dubai issued residence, a Dubai issued VISA, or the to be husband or the to be wife, one of them at least, must have a Dubai Tenancy contract.
3. Bachelorhood certificate for both of the spouses attested from the embassy and translated to Arabic, in addition to Ministry of Justice stamp in case the certificates were in another language.
4. There is no need for a guardian for the wife nor for two witnesses or for medical examination.

Approximate Costs (Out of Pockets)

• Court fees: 475 AED

Add-On Services to Consider at the time of the Marriage:

• Single Will AED 2,200/Mirror Wills AED 4,400
• Prenuptials: Not currently available with Dubai Courts.

Abu Dhabi Judicial Department (ADJD)

Requirements

1. Copy of Passport and Emirates ID (if a resident of the UAE) Tourists could get married in Abu Dhabi with the ADJD. 
2. Proof of divorce, if divorced
3. Copy of death certificate, if widowed

Approximate Court Costs (out of pockets)

• AED 300 for a Regular Marriage
• AED 2,500 for Express Marriage which allows date and time selection.

Under the regular path, upon applying to get married the ADJD would reply within 10 working days. Once approved the ADJD contacts within 5 working days to arrange appointment for the ceremony and you should get your certificate shortly thereafter on ceremony day or day after.

Add-On Services at the Time of Getting Married

• AED 950: Registering Pre-Nuptial Agreement
• AED 950: Will Registration

Muslim Marriages in UAE

As a Muslim looking to get married in the UAE, you have several options:

Civil Marriage

Abu Dhabi introduced the option of civil marriage for non-Muslims in 2021, making it a progressive step in the region. This process allows non-Muslim couples, including tourists, to get married in a straightforward manner without the need for a religious ceremony. While it’s primarily designed for non-Muslims, it’s important to note that Muslims typically follow Islamic marriage procedures. However, the civil marriage option is available and could be applicable in specific mixed-religion scenarios too.

Therefore the requirements and costs listed in the Civil Marriage Option in Abu Dhabi Judicial Department above will equally apply to Muslim and mixed marriages with the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department.

If you’re a Muslim and your partner is non-Muslim, this could be an option too, but typically, Islamic principles guide marriages involving Muslims.

If you are marrying a non-Muslim, the rules can vary depending on the non-Muslim partner’s religion. Generally, Muslim men can marry Christian or Jewish women, while Muslim women are expected to marry Muslim men. Mixed marriages are strongly recommended to be very particularly looked at. Special rules also apply to Emirati nationals.

Islamic Marriage (Nikah):

Nikah is the traditional Islamic marriage contract, governed by Sharia law. This is the most common form of marriage for Muslims in the UAE. It is a religious obligation and is required for the marriage to be recognized both legally and religiously.

Required Documents:

• • Passports and visas for both bride and groom.
  • Bride’s guardian (Wali) consent, if required. The requirement of a Wali and his consent can sometimes be complex, especially in cases where the bride’s family is not present in the UAE. This could be provided via proxy but needs to be specifically evaluated.
  • Pre-marital health screening certificate.
  • Two male Muslim witnesses.

Procedure:

The couple needs to visit the Sharia court, provide the necessary documents, and a Nikah ceremony will be conducted by a Sharia judge. The marriage contract is then registered.

Some couples opt to perform their Nikah in a mosque, officiated by an Imam. Afterward, the marriage contract can be registered with the local Sharia court to ensure it’s legally recognized.

It’s advisable to consult with a legal expert to ensure you have all the necessary documentation and understand the process fully.

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We hope this post will help you understand the options when considering a marriage in the UAE and remain available for any questions regarding this post of general application.

For more information published in English you can visit all our publications at this link as well as the videos in English of our Managing Partner Maria Rubert.

*The information on this page is not intended to be legal advice. This article is intended to provide an initial introduction when considering a marriage in the UAE.