The beautiful architecture, luxurious amenities, and lively culture of Dubai have transformed the City into a favorite wedding destination for many. Increasingly, foreign couples look forward to being married in the metropolitan city. Getting married in Dubai, however, could be quite a challenge due to the various procedures involved. This article is, therefore, imperative in helping a foreigner know what to do and the requirements for a smooth, successful wedding in Dubai.
Can Foreigners Legally Marry in Dubai?
Yes, foreigners can legally marry in Dubai. However, certain essential considerations shall be made in their case if the marriage is to be recognized:
- Legal Registration: The marriage shall be registered in accordance with the law with the local courts or relevant embassies.
- Non-Muslim Expatriates: The procedure for non-Muslim expatriates will be decided according to the law of their country.
Pre-Marital Requirements in Dubai
Before saying “I do”, numerous essential preconditions and documents are required to be submitted to the authorities in Dubai. These include:
- Bride’s Approval: The bride must give her consent.
- Identification: The couple must produce their Emirates ID and valid passports.
- Visa Status: Details of the visa status of the bride and groom have to be provided.
- Residency: One of the participants must be in possession of a valid UAE residence visa.
- Health Fitness: The couple to be married shall be required to produce a fitness certificate following a positive pre-marital health screening from DHA primary health centers.
Marriage Requirements for Muslim Expats
The process must conform to certain criteria that harmonize legal requirements with cultural ones for the Muslim expats:
- Age: The bride and groom should both be at least 18 years of age. In case of under aged, special approval is required.
- Physical Presence: This includes the prospective couple, the bride’s father or proxy, and two Muslim male witnesses.
- Consent of the guardian: In the case of a Muslim woman, it is compulsory; in the absence of a father, her closest male kin serves as such.
- Proof of Marital Status: Required in case the bride/groom is widowed or divorced.
- NOC from Interfaith Backgrounds: A ‘No Objection Certificate’ is needed wherein the bride is a Muslim, but her father is not a Muslim.
- Legal Registration: The marriage contract needs to be registered at a UAE Sharia court.
Non –Muslims Marriage in the UAE
- ‘Federal Decree Law No. 41 of 2022 on Civil Personal Status for Non-Muslims’(Decree Law) is the law in UAE governing family matters of non– Muslim inhabitants.
- Further, it allows the non-Muslim residents to opt for laws of their home country or other adopted personal status law in force in UAE instead of provisions under this Decree Law.
- Matters such as marriage, divorce, inheritance, and child custody fall within the ambit of this Decree Law.
- On the other hand, the Decree Law is also not applicable to Muslims. Family matters of the Muslims are regulated by the ‘Sharia’ or Islamic laws.
Special Considerations for Mixed Nationalities
When expats from different countries decide to marry in Dubai, registration legally has to be attested by both embassies of the countries concerned. The process may differ slightly depending on the religious affiliation by which the couple identifies themselves.
- Muslim Couple: They can opt for a court marriage in Dubai that will be officiated under the Shariah laws.
- Mixed Religion Couples: A Muslim man can marry a non-Muslim woman. However, a Muslim woman needs to marry a Muslim man, meaning that the man needs to convert to Islam if not already.
- Non-Muslim Couples: They need to apply for their marriage from their embassies in UAE.
24-Hour Marriage Service for Non-Muslims
Dubai announced a civil marriage service for non-Muslim residents of the emirate of Dubai. It gives the opportunity for a couple to have a civil wedding license within only 24 hours.
Essential Conditions
For a couple to apply for a civil marriage in Dubai, following conditions need to be satisfied:
- Both parties must have the same religion.
- At least one of the parties must be a resident in Dubai.
- The age of the couple must not be less than 21 years.
- The couple or their legally authorized representatives must appear in person.
- Original IDs are required to prove their identity details.
- Proof of being single has to be produced.
Note:
- The documents must be uploaded as soft copies in PDF form.
- For documents in languages other than Arabic, certified Arabic translations bearing the stamp of the Ministry of Justice in the UAE are required.
- Any document issued from outside the UAE shall be attested by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in that country, followed by the UAE embassy in that country, and finally by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of UAE.
Where to Hold the Ceremony?
A non-Muslim expat couple who wishes to marry in Dubai can perform the marriage ceremony in either:
- The Consulate or embassy of the couple’s home country here in the UAE.
- A church or temple depending on the religious beliefs of the couple.
Islamic Marriages in Dubai
For the Muslim expatriates and locals, marriage ceremonies have guiding principles based on provisions under the Sharia:
- Both the spouses need to be Muslims, or the man needs to be a Muslim while the wife is from the People of the Book (Christians and Jews).
- The Islamic marriage is solemnized by the Sharia courts, or that of the authorized marriage officer from these courts, the Mazoons.
Conclusion
Many have a dream of marrying in Dubai, and with the right information and preparation, it is sure to be smooth and joyous. With knowledge of the legalities and requirements, one can ensure a smooth transition into this new chapter of life and, therefore, stay focused on the celebration of love that transcends borders and beliefs.
How Marriage Lawyers at Dubai Court Marriage Can Help
Getting married in Dubai requires proper knowledge, with various legal formalities and procedures involved. The marriage lawyers at Dubai Court Marriage will help you at each step to make sure that all requirements are met and everything goes perfectly on your special day.
Contact us today to learn more about how our marriage lawyers can help you make your marriage in Dubai a reality.
