Abu Dhabi has really simplified marriage for couples irrespective of faith or nationality with the introduction of this new concept: civil marriage. Abu Dhabi Judicial Department has launched an express civil marriage service, which will help a couple to get married in 24 hours.
Abu Dhabi issued a new law in 2021 and introduced the concept of civil marriage for the very first time. It applies to both residents and tourists for marriage in the emirate, hence ensuring that it must be easy and would take minimal time with no hustling.
What is Abu Dhabi Court Marriage?
Abu Dhabi court marriage refers to a civil legal union between a man and woman irrespective of their faith and nationality. This was initiated by the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department (ADJD) in the year 2021, allowing non-Muslim couples to get married in a civil ceremony. The process is regulated under Articles 4 and 5 of Law No. 14 of 2021 regarding Civil Marriage and its Effects in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.
Why Choose Civil Marriage in Abu Dhabi?
- Applicability: Anybody, whether a resident or tourist, whatever the religion, excluding nationals of the UAE, are eligible for a Civil Marriage in Abu Dhabi.
- Convenience: The Abu Dhabi civil marriage process is very simple. One even can complete the marriage online. Through its online portal, residents and tourists can also apply easily from anywhere around the world.
- Legality: The number of civil marriages conducted in Abu Dhabi is legally valid and, therefore, recognized all over the world since couples are given a valid marriage certificate.
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Requirements for Civil Marriage in Abu Dhabi for Muslim and Non-Muslims
The following requirements must be fulfilled so that a civil marriage can be validly celebrated:
- Age: The spouses must have reached the age of 18 years. The age is credited by any official document issued by the government of the country where they bear their nationality.
- Consent: Both spouses shall declare before the authenticating judge, unequivocally, their consent to the celebration of the marriage and shall prove that no legal impediment to contracting marriage exists.
- Declaration Form: The declaration form should be signed by both spouses.
- Prohibited Relationships: Marriage cannot be effected between brothers and sisters nor with children, grandchildren, or uncles.
- Additional Conditions: Any other condition stipulated by a decision of the Chairman.
Steps to Apply for Abu Dhabi Civil Marriage
- Application Form: An application form for a civil marriage registration has to be filled out in both Arabic and English. This form can be downloaded from the website of the ADJD.
- Document and Fee Submission: Attach all the documents with the form, pay the Abu Dhabi civil marriage court fee, and declare whether any of the spouses were previously married. If either spouse has been previously married, then he/she needs to provide a date of divorce and confirm that any current marriage does not exist.
- Verification by the Court: The court is supposed to verify if the application meets all the requirements for civil marriage and that all the procedures are followed.
- Approval and Notification: If approved, the court will contact the spouses within three working days, starting from the date of submission, and inform them of an appointment for the date of issuance of the marriage certificate. On this date, both spouses must be present before the court.
- Certificate Issuance: The notary solemnly authenticates the marriage contract after issuance and issues a bilingual civil marriage certificate. A copy is saved in the electronic civil marriage registry.
The Civil Marriage Ceremony
The Abu Dhabi civil marriage will be conducted in the Civil Family Court, which comes under the main court building of ADJD along with the Zayed Sports City.
Here is everything you should know about the ceremony:
- Documents to Bring: Applicants should bring a passport and Emirates ID (in the case of residents).
- No Witnesses Required: No witnesses need to be brought along for the marriage ceremony. However, parties can bring their family members and friends to the ceremony.
- Exchange of Rings and Vows: This is not compulsory, but the parties are permitted to exchange rings and incorporate their vows.
- Obtain Marriage Certificate: After the completion of the marriage ceremony, a text message and an email will be sent with your marriage certificate. It is advisable, upon receipt of the marriage certificate, to have it notarized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Benefits of Civil Marriage in Abu Dhabi
- Legal Security: The civil marriage gives legal security and recognition to the couple.
- Ease of Process: Simple process, even available online for convenience, both for residents and tourists.
- Inclusiveness: It is an inclusive process in that couples from different nationalities and religions are allowed to marry.
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Abu Dhabi Court Marriage Fees
The standard civil marriage fee is 300 AED. However, if the parties wish to process the application within one working day or if they require to get married on a particular date, they can choose the express marriage service, which costs AED 2,500.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is it possible for tourists to get married in Abu Dhabi?
Yes, it is possible. As a tourist, you’re advised to get a civil marriage, no matter where you reside. One can apply from any part of the world through this online portal. However, once you submit your application and pay the court fee, you will then need to travel to Abu Dhabi to have your civil marriage conducted.
- Should I have UAE residency to get married in the UAE?
No, you are not necessarily required to reside in the UAE to marry in Abu Dhabi. Both residents and tourists are eligible for civil marriage.
- What documents will be required for applying?
You are required to submit your passport, Emirates ID (in the case of residents), and if previously married, proof that the marriage is now dissolved (e.g., divorce judgment or death certificate).
- Are we allowed to decide on a date and time for the ceremony ourselves?
If you choose the express service, you can select the date and time of the marriage ceremony subject to the court’s opening hours. If you opt for the standard service, the court will do its best to accommodate your request, but it is subject to availability.
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How HHS Court Marriage lawyers Can Assist You
To obtain a civil marriage certificate in Abu Dhabi is a simple and straightforward process. However, it may be difficult for those who are not well aware of the legal requirements to be followed. Our marriage lawyers at HHS can assist you with the following:
- Document Preparation: Preparation of all necessary documents correctly and on time.
- Application Submission: Assist in submitting the marriage application online.
- Appointment Booking: Assist in booking the appointment date and time.
- Assistance During the Ceremony: Full assistance during the ceremony for its smooth execution.
Don’t let difficulties pertaining to civil marriage stand in your way. Let HHS lawyers in Dubai help you with professional services today to make this very special day stress-free and memorable.
