Abu Dhabi Civil Marriage: A Comprehensive Guide for Non-Muslim Couples

What Is Abu Dhabi Civil Marriage Law & Who It Applies To

Abu Dhabi civil marriage law applies specifically to non-Muslim or foreign nationals (non-Muslim citizens or foreigners from countries whose family laws are not strictly religious) under Abu Dhabi’s jurisdiction. It does not apply to UAE Muslim nationals, who remain under Sharia law for personal status matters.

Notably, the law and its executive regulation (Resolution No. 8 of 2022) provide that court procedures will be bilingual (Arabic & English) and that a special Civil Family Court handles these contracts.

Key Requirements & Conditions

To enter into a Abu Dhabi civil marriage, the following conditions must be met:

• Both parties must be at least 18 years old.
• Both must freely consent to the marriage, with no coercion.
• They must not be close blood relatives (first or second degree).
• Neither should already be married.
• If previously married, proof of divorce or death certificate must be presented.
• Other important legal details: no medical test requirement for non-Muslim couples under this law, no need for a religious ceremony, guardian approval, or witnesses for the contract itself.
  
  

How to Apply & Ceremony Process

The application process is handled via the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department (ADJD) online portal. Both residents and non-residents/tourists can apply. You fill in the digital form, upload required documents (passports, Emirates IDs if applicable, previous marriage status documents if needed), and pay the fee.

After the application is processed, a ceremony is scheduled at the Civil Family Court located in the ADJD main building (next to Zayed Sports City). Both parties must be present physically for the signing of the civil contract. The courts provide two options: a standard service (about 10 working days) or an express service (often processed within 1 working day) where you may choose a preferred ceremony date.

Cost, Fees & Optional Agreements

Standard civil marriage costs AED 300, which covers the review, scheduling, and certificate issuance. For those wanting expedited service and selecting their preferred date, the express track costs AED 2,500.

There is also an option to submit a marriage agreement (prenuptial type), which is optional and comes with a separate fee (AED 950). Couples must indicate this in their application.

Why It Matters & Uptake

Since its launch in early 2022, there has been a sharp increase in civil marriage applications. The ADJD reported that applications more than doubled over a two-year span. Tourists account for a significant portion of these many non-residents choose Abu Dhabi for its straightforward, secular marriage option.

For many couples especially mixed-nationality or varying religious backgrounds, the civil marriage framework offers clarity, legal recognition, international validity (once attested), and avoids the complications or requirements tied to religious frameworks.

Things to Watch Out For

While the law is relatively clear, there are some practical considerations:

• Even as a tourist or non-resident you still must appear in person for the ceremony. Plan travel accordingly.
• Make sure all documents for past marriages (if any) are valid, translated if needed, and acceptable.
• The certificate may need attestation by UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) for use abroad. Always check your home country’s recognition of civil marriage certificates.
• Express service slots and choice of date may be subject to availability; popular dates fill up fast.

While witnesses are not required, bring family or friends for your own celebration if desired.

Conclusion

Abu Dhabi civil marriage option under Law No. 14/2021 marks a major step forward in personal status law for non-Muslim and expatriate couples, offering a modern, secular, and legally recognized framework. Whether you’re a resident, a tourist, or have roots in another country, the process is designed to be inclusive, easy to navigate, and fair. The costs are reasonable, the process streamlined, and the choice between standard and express service offers flexibility.

If you’re considering civil marriage in Abu Dhabi, doing your research, preparing documents in advance, choosing your preferred timing, and ensuring any required attestations for abroad use are all smart moves. This law isn’t just about legal change, it’s about giving people a meaningful choice.

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