Civil Marriage in Abu Dhabi: A Complete Guide for Non-Muslim Residents and Tourists

Civil marriage in Abu Dhabi has become a most popular option for both non-residents and tourists in the UAE. Couples are now allowed to get married through a civil process that is fast, modern, and follows international standards rather than any religious rules. Civil marriage has many benefits, but not understanding the proper legal process, especially during divorce or annulment, can lead to mistakes. This article discusses civil marriage in Abu Dhabi, and shows you how to avoid problems later.

What is Civil Marriage in Abu Dhabi?

A civil marriage is the lawful union of a man and woman solemnized as a civil contract, under secular rules, regardless of faith or nationality. It is, more importantly, for non-Muslim residents and tourists to have their marriages registered in Abu Dhabi. The law is clear, uncomplicated, and provides equal protection for both of the individuals in question. 

Introduced by Abu Dhabi Law No. 14 of 2021 on Civil Marriage, it made provisions for civil marriages and no-fault divorces of non-Muslims. Anyone, other than the UAE nationals, is allowed to obtain a civil marriage regardless of their religion. The system is run by the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department (ADJD).

Who Can Get a Civil Marriage in Abu Dhabi?

The conditions that must be fulfilled for the marriage application to be approved are as follows: 

• Both parties must provide their consent to marriage
• Both parties must be at least 18 years’ old
• The parties must not be related by the first or second degree
• The parties must not be married to any other person
• Either party must not be a UAE national.

How to Apply for Civil Marriage in Abu Dhabi

The civil system offers an easy method to get legally married in Abu Dhabi.

1. Prepare the Documents:

• Copy of both parties’ passport
• Copy of both parties’ Emirates ID (if applicable)
• If previously married, proof that the marriage is now dissolved (eg. divorce judgment or death certificate)

2. Apply Online:

• Visit the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department portal
• Fill in the civil marriage application
• Upload your documents

Note: You can apply via the online portal from anywhere in the world. However, please do note that after submitting your marriage application and paying the court fee, the parties are required to travel to Abu Dhabi for the civil marriage ceremony.

3. Pay the Fees:

• The standard service costs AED 300 which requires 10 days for processing.
• The Express service requires AED 2,500 to process applications within 24 hours.

4. Attend the Civil Marriage Ceremony:

• The ceremony is held at the Civil Family Court
• The ceremony requires optional witnesses for attendance.
• You have the option to either exchange rings or say your vows.

You will obtain an official Abu Dhabi civil marriage certificate after the ceremony which becomes valid for both local and international use.

Understanding Divorce and Annulment Under Civil Law

One of the major advantages of having the civil marriage system is the no-fault divorce. This means that it is sufficient for one of the spouses to express before the court his/her desire to separate and not continue the marital relationship, without the need to justify that request or blame the other party or prove his / her fault.

Who can apply for a no fault divorce?

1. Abu Dhabi Residents;
2. Anyone who obtained a Civil Marriage through the Abu Dhabi Civil Family Court; and
3. The parties must be from a country which is not governed by sharia law. 

Civil Divorce in Abu Dhabi

The following is the process of civil divorce:

1. Divorce Request Is Filed:

• A person concerned or a special representative on his behalf may apply for divorce by filing a civil divorce application form in both Arabic and English.
• No reasons or blame need to be made.

2. Courts Examine the Application:

• The court reviews the application and the documents attached to it and makes sure that the application meets all the conditions.
• On the date set for the hearing, the judge shall issue a divorce ruling after making sure that the applicant attended the hearing and after confirming his/her adherence to the divorce.

3. Effects of Divorce:

• After divorce, both parents bear joint responsibility for the child’s raising and growth, providing that the child’s best interest shall be their primary concern.
• In the event that the parents do not agree on how to divide the child custody between them after the divorce, the court shall determine how to divide the joint custody, whether on a weekly, bi-monthly or monthly basis, or in any other way that takes into account the best interests of the child.

Civil Annulment in Abu Dhabi

An annulment differs from a divorce. It means the marriage itself was not valid. Some grounds could be:

• One party was forced to marry 
• One of the parties to marriage was already married 
• Marriage happened under a false identity or a fraud 

To annul a marriage, you must apply to the court and produce evidence; if the court accepts, they will set aside the marriage as if it never existed.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Many people make small but serious mistakes when going through civil marriage or divorce in Abu Dhabi. Here is what one needs to watch out for:

1. Faulty or Missing Documents

Submit all the documents correctly-mistakes can lead to a delay in the processing of your application or even cancellation of the same.

2. Not Meeting the Legal Requirements

Ensure that both persons fulfill the eligibility requirements before filing an application. 

3. Not Seeking Legal Advice 

Even though the procedure itself is not complicated, consulting a legal expert is always advisable and can save you from costly mistakes.

4. Ignoring the Matters after Marriage

Once you are divorced, do not neglect custody, alimony, and property issues. Properly solve these matters with the court’s assistance.

Why Civil Marriage in Abu Dhabi is a best option

• Fast and Easy: Application and marriage ceremony process are very simple and fast.
• A Modern Law: It is based on the principle of fairness (impartiality) and equality of the partners.
• Recognized Worldwide: The civil marriage certificate can be used internationally.
• Best for Non-Muslims: civil marriage is the best option for non-Muslim residents and tourists in Abu Dhabi.

How Dubai Court Marriage Can Help

Our marriage lawyers at Dubai Court marriage can offer valuable assistance throughout the Abu Dhabi civil marriage process and in matters of divorce or annulment. However, it is to be noted that all the civil marriages in Abu Dhabi are officially processed by the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department (ADJD)

Our services entail:

• Providing professional legal advice in a simple tone.
• Helping in preparing and submitting documents
• Filing of marriage or divorce applications in the Court
• Offering Legal Assistance with annulment, child custody, and legal settlement.

Allow us to guide you through the legal process clearly and professionally, whether it is a marriage or the dissolution of a civil union. 

Contact Dubai Court Marriage today to book a consultation for a legally smooth and stress-free marriage process.