United Arab Emirates: UAE

UAE is a multicultural nation that is home to UAE nationals as well as expatriates
from around the world. Nevertheless, its diversity and openness have allowed a
large number of expatriates to settle, live, work, and thrive in the country. The UAE
announces a streamlined and transparent procedure for the marriage and divorce of
the non-Muslims. The UAE is committed to accommodating non-Muslim families and
communities within the Arab Society. Our Lawyers in Abu Dhabi are most trust-
worthy attorneys in Abu Dhabi for the legal support.

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Cultural Diversity in UAE

The government of UAE has recognized the significance of cultural diversity and
thus aims to accommodate the expatriates into the society. They cater to the unique
demand of non-Muslims residents within the UAE legal framework. In recent years,
the government of the UAE has passed groundbreaking reforms concerning the
marriage of non-Muslims within the Emirates.

Emirate of Abu Dhabi: Abu Dhabi 

Abu Dhabi has taken the step of introducing laws for non-Muslims. Under the Abu
Dhabi Personal Status, the city passed a law regarding non-Muslim marriages. UAE
adheres to the Islamic law. Islamic law is also called the sharia law or sharia
principles. All the Muslim marriages in the UAE are governed under sharia principles.
Previously, the legal framework for marriages and divorces was based on Islamic
law. Lawyers in Abu Dhabi in Emirate of Abu Dhabi are experts in Sharia Law. Our
Abu Dhabi lawyers are the top rated lawyers.

Concept of Modernization

However, the UAE has adopted the concept of modernization. Therefore, now the
laws are a combination of civil laws, international practices, and Islamic laws. The
UAE is keen to make things easier and more convenient for the non-Muslims in the
UAE. Non-Muslims make up almost 50 percent of the total population. With the
intention to make them feel at home the family laws in the UAE have significantly
changed. This change was announced according to the aspirations, culture, religion,
and backgrounds of non-Muslims.

Marriage or Divorce Following Islamic Law

They are not forced to adhere to marriage or divorce following Islamic law.
Therefore, the non-Muslim marriages and divorces in the UAE are governed by civil
laws and international standards.

Civil Law and International Laws

Civil laws and international standards differ from Islamic laws. However, UAE
nationals and expatriates who are Muslims will still adhere to the Sharia principles
framework. On the other hand, the main elements of non-Muslims marriage laws
include the Abu Dhabi Civil Marriage Law. We also offer civil law marriages support
in Emirate of Abu Dhabi.

Promote gender Equality

The key reason to introduce reforms is to promote gender equality in the UAE. The
law recognizes the concept of multicultural practices and thus makes efforts to
accommodate them.

Cultural Diversity

Cultural diversity is the essence of UAE society which is further strengthened with
such powerful reforms.  This has further improved the global reputation of the UAE
as an ideal place for expatriates.

Abu Dhabi Civil Marriage Law

Abu Dhabi Civil Marriage law was initiated back in 2021. This is a unique family law
specifically for non-Muslim couples. It offers a civil and legal marriage framework for
non-Muslim marriages in Abu Dhabi.
The law permits non-Muslim marriages in Abu Dhabi to take place without religious
ceremonies. However, some specifications must be fulfilled. Both parties must meet
certain requirements before entering into a matrimonial relationship. You can consult
our Abu Dhabi lawyers and legal consultants.
Some of the key specifications of non-Muslim marriage in Abu Dhabi are the
following: both the parties that are the husband and the wife should be non-Muslim.
Besides, there is a minimum limit for marriage. It is established at 18 years of age for
both parties. Furthermore, for non-Muslim marriage in Abu Dhabi, both the
individuals must mutually agree to the relationship. Their consent is mandatory.

Another specification

Another specification is that they both need to submit a pre-marriage medical
certificate. The certificate proves that neither party has any disability or chronic
disease. Additionally, non-Muslim marriages in the UAE were not recognized in the
past. However, today, things have evolved. Now, non-Muslim couples in the UAE
can easily register their marriages. The registration of marriage is conducted with
their respective embassies or consulates within the Emirates.

Recognition of No-Muslim

The recognition of non-Muslim marriages ensures the legal status of marriage in the
UAE. Besides, it has made it easier and simpler for non-Muslim couples to marry

outside their home country. In addition, the non-Muslim marriages in free zones differ
from those in Abu Dhabi.  The free zones including the Dubai International Financial
Centre (DIFC) also recognize non-Muslim marriages. Therefore, they offer non-
religious marriage services to expatriates willing to marry and register in the country.

Proper Registration Process

There is a proper registration process for the non-Muslims in the UAE. The
procedure must be followed for quick registration. The procedure is initiated by
submitting the documents to the concerned authorities.
The documentation includes the submission of passports, pre-marriage certificates,
residency visas, birth certificates, and more.
All the documents submitted must be attested before submission. The documents
issued from outside the county should be attested by the home country’s authorities.

Attestation

Moreover, they also need to be attested by the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs and
International Cooperation. The application must be submitted to the concerned
authorities and relevant courts. For instance, the application can be with Abu Dhabi’s
Civil Family Court. Once the documentation is submitted and accepted, a simple civil
ceremony is conducted. It is a proof of an event. Afterwards, a marriage certificate is
issued.

Recent Reforms are transformative for Non-Muslim

The recent reforms are transformative for non-Muslim couples in the UAE.  The
marriage procedure is simplified for them, making it easier for them to get married in
the UAE. Moreover, the historic reforms make non-Muslim marriage in the UAE more
transparent, legal, and quicker. Seek the assistance of a professional family lawyer
in UAE to navigate through the legal procedure of marriage.