Question: I am a non-Muslim living in Dubai and plan to get married in the UAE. Could you please explain the process? Do I need to complete any court formalities before hosting the wedding reception? If so, how do I go about this? I would appreciate your guidance.
Answer: In the UAE, non-Muslim residents who wish to marry can follow the provisions outlined in the UAE Personal Laws for Non-Muslims, as per Article 1(1) of the Federal Decree-Law No. 41 of 2022 on Civil Personal Status. This law applies to non-Muslim UAE citizens and non-Muslim foreigners living in the country, unless they wish to invoke the laws of their home country in matters of marriage, divorce, or other related issues.
For non-Muslim individuals planning to marry in the UAE, both the bride and groom must be at least 21 years old. They are required to express their consent before a judge and sign a disclosure form. Civil marriage conditions for non-Muslims are outlined in Article 5 of the UAE Personal Laws for Non-Muslims.
The marriage process itself, as detailed in Article 6 of the same law, involves filing an application with the competent court, completing a form, and submitting it to a certification judge. The couple may agree on the terms of their marriage contract, which will govern their rights during marriage and after divorce, including matters such as child custody. The contract will also require disclosure of any previous marriages, with details of divorce dates if applicable.
Once all conditions are met, the certification judge will ratify the marriage and record the contract. Alternatively, depending on your nationality and religion, you may also consider marrying at a licensed church, Hindu, or Sikh temple in Dubai approved by the Community Development Authority.
Additionally, it’s advisable to consult with your embassy or consulate regarding marriage services for non-Muslim residents. For further clarity on the process, seeking legal advice from a UAE-based legal professional is recommended.
News Source: Khaleej Times
