Requirements and Procedures for Abu Dhabi Court Marriage

Abu Dhabi is the capital and the biggest emirate within the UAE. Besides local Arabs, the place is home to expatriates and tourists from all over the world. For all those non-Muslims who want to get married in Abu Dhabi, there is now also an option for civil marriage. This can be done so that the marriage between two people from different religions is not only legally recognized and duly protected by the law regarding matters with offspring, but also socially accepted and integrated. It will also provide the freedom to choose a partner for marriage without any constraint of faith or nationality. The requirements and the procedure to obtain a civil marriage in Abu Dhabi Court are discussed in this article.

What is Civil Marriage?

A civil marriage is the lawful union of a man and woman solemnized as a civil contract, under secular rules, regardless of faith or nationality. It is regulated by Article 4 and 5 of the Civil Marriage Law No. 14 of 2021.

Civil Marriage vs. Marriage Under Personal Status Law

Feature	Civil Marriage	Marriage Under Personal Status Law
Father/Guardian Approval	Not Required	Required
Medical Test	Not Required	Required
Interreligious Marriage	Permitted	Restricted (depends on specific law)
Non-Resident Marriage	Permitted	Restricted (may require residency for one or both parties)

Scope of Application

Resolution No. (8) Of 2022 of the Marriage and Civil Divorce Procedures in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi shall govern civil marriage and its implications and all the civil family matters in the following cases:

• For non-Muslim citizens.
• For foreigners whose original home country does not principally apply Islamic law in personal status matters, as per a list to be issued by the head of the department. If the foreigner has multiple nationalities, the nationality considered will be the one based on their place of residence in the country.
• If the marriage occurred in a country that does not principally apply Islamic law in personal status matters, as per the list issued by the head of the department.
• If the marriage took place as a civil marriage.
• Any other case to be determined by the head of the department.

Essential Conditions for Civil Marriage in Abu Dhabi

A civil marriage is concluded if the following conditions are fulfilled:

1. Age: Both husband and wife have attained at least 18 calendar years, and age is proved by any official document issued by the country of which they are nationals.

2. Free Consent: Those wishing to marry shall clearly express their consent to the marriage, and that there is nothing to legally prohibit their consent.

1. Capability: The spouses must have the necessary mental capacity.
2. The absence of the forbidding kinship: the marriage shall not be between brothers, children, grandchildren, uncles, or aunts.
3. Non-polygamy: neither of the spouses is bound by any existing marital relation.
4. The chairman may add any other conditions.

Applicants are exempt from submitting a medical examination certificate prior to marriage, and no witnesses are required for the marriage to take place.

Application Process

The process of obtaining a civil marriage in Abu Dhabi is structured to make it as hassle-free and seamless as possible. Here’s what the process entails:

1. Submission of Application: The couple will be required to fill in the civil marriage registration form, in Arabic or English, either online or at the court premises. They are required to attach required documents, such as a passport or Emirates ID, proof of the current unmarried status, and a marriage agreement (optional).
2. Payment of Fee: A sum of fee prescribed shall be paid at the time of submission of the application. The fee is AED 300 in the case of normal service and AED 2,500 in the case of express service.
3. Verification: The court will look into the application to ensure that all the requirements are met and the due process is followed.
4. Approval and Scheduling: If approved, within three working days from the date of submission, the court will get back to the couple to schedule a date for issuing the marriage certificate. The couple must be present for this ceremony, either electronically or in person at the court premises.
5. Authentication: In a ceremony, the marriage contract will be authenticated by a notary and issued in a bilingual civil marriage certificate. This certificate will be registered and recorded in the electronic civil marriage registry.

Benefits of Civil Marriage

Couples who opt for a civil marriage in Abu Dhabi will enjoy the following benefits:

• Flexible Processing: The processing period is quite flexible, and one gets the choice to opt for a regular service that takes up to 10 working days or to use an express service, which is completed in a single working day; the latter enables one to set their preferred date of the marriage ceremony.
• Tailored Marriage Ceremony: The date and time of the marriage ceremony can be decided by the couple. This facility can be availed either through an electronic facility or through the court’s premises.
• Personalized Marriage Contract: The marriage contract could be mutually agreed upon by the spouses, upon which they can define their rights and obligations in the marriage and after.
• Access to Family Courts: The Non-Muslim Family Court in Abu Dhabi can deal with and settle any family matters related to civil marriage.
• Legal Protection: The relationship and children of the couple will be protected under the law.

You will need to apply for court marriage to get married to your partner with the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department. Many times, issues may arise in making appointments as the requirements change according to the circumstances of the contracting parties to a marriage.

Here at Dubai Court Marriage, our UAE marriage lawyers help clients go through the entire process of court marriage, ensuring proper coordination between you, the court, and higher authorities. Call us for more information!