This is an exciting time to plan a wedding, but it can be exhausting, especially in a foreign country. If you and your partner are not Muslims and want to get married in Dubai, you may wonder:
- What are Dubai marriage laws?
- Is the process complicated?
- Can we have a wedding which is traditional to us?
With the UAE’s new Personal Status Law 2025, which will come into effect on 15th April 2025, marrying in Dubai is now faster, more straightforward, and more inclusive. This article aims to provide you with an overview of the legal requirements and tips that will assist you in planning your wedding.
What’s New in the UAE Personal Status Law 2025?
The UAE has recently revised marriage laws to allow non-Muslim couples to marry without having to comply with Islamic laws. Here’s what’s new:
1. Civil Marriage Ceremonies
Now, non-Muslim couples can engage in a civil marriage without having to comply with the Islamic laws. This makes it possible for your union to be legally binding in the UAE and internationally.
2. Equal Rights for Both Partners
In the law, there are equal rights of spouses in marriage. This means that each partner has the same rights in the eyes of the law regarding decision-making processes to avoid exploitation.
3. Streamlined Marriage process
Marriage registration is now much easier and less complicated, which is a great advantage especially for non- Muslim couples.
4. Updated Parental and Custody Rules
The best interest of the child is now the key factor in deciding on custody. From now on, any custodian who travels with the child under his custody without the permission of his guardian or the court, shall be punished by imprisonment and a fine of not less than (5,000) five thousand dirhams and not exceeding fifty thousand (50,000) dirhams, or one of these two penalties. This is for the protection of the child.
5. Legal Recognition of Marriages Completed Abroad
If you were married abroad, your marriage is recognized in the UAE if it is in conformity with the legal system of your country.
How to Legally Get Married in Dubai
The marriage process in Dubai is legal and contain the following requirements:
1. Check Your Eligibility and elements for marriage
- Both of the individuals must be 18 years of age or older, otherwise the permission of the court is required.
- Both must be single, divorced or widowed.
- Passports are required for both of them.
The necessary elements for the conclusion of the marriage contract are:
- Offer and acceptance from the spouses.
- The guardian of the wife is a Muslim, with the exception of a non-citizen Muslim wife if the law of her nationality does not require her to have a guardian in marriage.
2. Prepare Your Documents
- Both parties’ passports
- Marital status documents (proof of being single, divorce decree or death certificate of the former spouse).
- Residence permit in UAE (if necessary).
- Any other relevant documents as required.
3. Go to the Family Court for Non-Muslims
Go to the Family Court for Non-Muslims in Dubai or Abu Dhabi. Submit your documents and book your civil marriage ceremony.
4. Attend Your Wedding Ceremony
A very simple and official civil ceremony will define the beginning of your legal marriage in Dubai.
Conditions for the validity of the marriage contract
The validity of the marriage contract shall be subject to the following:
1. Appointment of spouses.
2. The woman should not be forbidden to the man for life or temporarily.
3. Wife’s satisfaction.
4. The offer from the guardian (if the wife is Muslim) and the acceptance of the other, with the exception of a non-citizen Muslim wife if the law of her nationality does not require her to have a guardian in marriage.
5. The testimony of two witnesses.
Requirement of Notarization of the marriage contract
- The marriage contract must be notarized in court in accordance with the legislation in force.
- Any interested party may request proof of an undocumented marriage contract.
- The marriage contract shall meet the requirements and submit the medical documents and reports specified in the legislation in force in this regard.
Importance of Dubai Marriage Laws for Non-Muslim Couples in 2025
The New personal status Law, provides a choice for non-Muslim couples. The new regulations:
- Enable couples to get married in a civil ceremony that is consistent with the culture of the couple.
- Apply to non-citizens unless one of them insists on the application of their law or any other law agreed to be applied as permitted by the legislation in force in the State.
- Provide legal protection in cases of custody, divorce, and parental rights.
- Make the legal procedures less complicated so that the couples can concentrate on the celebration of the event.
FAQs
Q1. What is the new family law in Dubai?
Both Muslims and non-Muslims are covered by the new Personal Status Law (Federal Decree-Law No. 41 of 2024) which deals with marriage, divorce, custody etc. This is a big change especially for non-Muslims as civil marriage ceremonies are now possible and custody rules have been updated.
Q2. Can non-Muslims legally marry in Dubai?
Yes. Dubai marriage laws have been revised to allow non-Muslim couples to get married under a civil ceremony.
Q3. What documents are required for marriage registration?
To register your marriage, you will need:
- Passports of both partners
- Marital status document (single, divorced or widowed)
- Residency visa (if necessary)
Q5. Are international marriages recognized in the UAE?
Yes. If your marriage is legal in your country of origin, it will also be recognized in the UAE if it is in conformity with the laws of your country.
Q6. What is the Personal Status Law in the UAE?
The new Personal Status Law (Federal Decree-Law No. 41 of 2024) regulates marriage and other aspects of life for Muslims and non-Muslims and includes provisions on parent-child relations and protection. This new law will become effective from 15th April 2025.
How to Plan Your Wedding Perfectly
Getting married in the UAE has indeed become more straightforward and more open to all citizens and non-citizens, thanks to the new Personal Status Law. Whether you are planning for a small or a big wedding, you can concentrate on the actual day and leave the documentation to the professionals.
Need Help? Dubai Court Marriage Can Assist.
At Dubai Court Marriage, we are ready to assist you with your marriage registration in Dubai. Get in touch with us for a hassle-free and legal compliant wedding.
