Question: My fiancé and I recently moved to Abu Dhabi from the UK and want to get married here. Can you explain the marriage process for non-Muslims?
Answer:
For non-Muslims living in or visiting Abu Dhabi, the Civil Marriage and Divorce Law applies. This law provides a straightforward process for registering civil marriages under Regulation No. 8/2022, outlined by the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department (ADJD).
Key Requirements for Civil Marriage
To enter a civil marriage in Abu Dhabi, non-Muslims must meet the following criteria:
- Age Requirement: Both individuals must be at least 18 years old, with official documents to prove their age.
- Free Will: The marriage must be based on mutual consent, with no legal restrictions preventing consent.
- Mental Capacity: Both parties must have the mental ability to make decisions.
- No Blood Relation: The marriage must not involve close relatives such as siblings, uncles, aunts, or grandchildren.
- No Polygamy: Neither individual can be currently married.
Exemptions from Traditional Marriage Requirements
- No medical examination certificate is needed before marriage.
- Witnesses are not required for the marriage registration process.
Civil Marriage Process in Abu Dhabi
If you meet the eligibility criteria, follow these steps to register your marriage:
Complete the Application Form:
Fill out the civil marriage registration form in both Arabic and English. This form is available on the ADJD website.
Attach the required documents, including proof of any previous divorces, if applicable. Pay the prescribed fee.
Verification by the Court:
The court reviews your application to ensure all requirements are met.
Approval and Scheduling:
If approved, the court contacts the couple within 3 working days to schedule a date for the issuance of the marriage certificate.
Marriage Certification:
A marriage attestation officer certifies the marriage, issues a bilingual marriage certificate, and records it in the electronic civil marriage registry.
Legal Provisions Governing Civil Marriage
The process is based on Articles 7, 8, and 9 of Regulation No. 8/2022. These articles specify the conditions, process, and legal framework for civil marriages.
- Article 7: Defines a civil marriage as one conducted under UAE laws, without reference to any specific religious laws.
- Article 8: Outlines the conditions required for concluding a civil marriage, as detailed in the eligibility criteria above.
- Article 9: Explains the procedure for registering civil marriages, including documentation and timelines.
Simplified Marriage Formalities
By following the outlined steps, you can register your marriage at the Civil Family Court, which operates under the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department. The process is designed to be simple and accessible, allowing non-Muslim couples to formalize their union without religious restrictions.
This law ensures that all marriages are conducted in line with Abu Dhabi’s civil legal framework, making it easy for non-Muslim residents and visitors to get married in the emirate.
By adhering to these clear guidelines, your civil marriage in Abu Dhabi can be registered efficiently, ensuring compliance with local laws.
