In 2021, the Emirate of Abu Dhabi enacted a new law introducing the concept of civil marriage for the first time in the Middle East. This page provides answers to frequently asked questions to assist in understanding the rules and procedures governing civil marriage in Abu Dhabi
A civil marriage is a legally recognised union between a man and a woman, concluded as a civil contract irrespective of religion or nationality (with the exception of Muslim citizens of the United Arab Emirates). Such marriages are governed by Articles 4 and 5 of Law No. 14 of 2021 on Civil Marriage and its Effects in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi

Application for Civil Marriage

Service Procedure

1. Submit the application together with the required supporting documents through the designated channels.
2. The competent section shall review the application and either approve or reject it, providing reasons in the event of rejection.
3. Pay the prescribed fee upon approval by the competent section.
4. Await an email confirming the date and time of the civil marriage ceremony, subject to availability.
5. Attend the ceremony in person on the scheduled date or attend remotely by videoconference (for residents only).
6. Receive the marriage certificate following completion of the ceremony and its digital authentication.

Required Documents

1. UAE Identity Card of each party.
2. Passport of each party.
3. Evidence of divorce, where applicable.
4. Death certificate of a former spouse, where applicable.

Fees and Processing Times

Service Type	Fee (AED)	Estimated Time
Standard Service	300	Up to 10 working days
Urgent Service	2,500	Within one working day

Terms and Conditions

1. The applicant must have the requisite legal standing.
2. The parties must be non-UAE nationals; however, non-Muslim UAE nationals are exempt from this restriction.
3. The parties must not be related within the first or second degree of kinship.
4. Neither party may be married to another person at the time of application.
5. Marriage contracts concluded via video conferencing technology are available only where all parties are residents of the UAE.

Service Delivery Channels

Applicants are advised to use Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge when submitting their applications.

Applications may be submitted through:

The official website for UAE resident and tourist , Click here

Approved typing centres, Click here

Approved law firms, Click here

Marriage Ceremony

Civil marriage ceremonies are conducted at the Civil Family Court, located in the main building of the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department (adjacent to Zayed Sports City).

The couple may exchange rings and/or recite personal marriage vows (Please inform the officiating team of any ring exchanges or special vows you wish to recite.)

Guests are welcome to attend and take photographs. We are also pleased to announce the opening of a photography studio within the Civil Marriage Section to immortalise and document your special moments. You can view the price list by clicking here. For further information, please contact us via WhatsApp on 0508002891 / 0569303987.

The court aims to complete civil marriage ceremonies within 15 minutes.

Prenuptial Agreement

Service Procedure

1. Submit the application and supporting documents via the available channels.
2. The application is reviewed by the competent section (for approval or rejection, with reasons provided).
3. Payment of the prescribed fee upon approval by the competent section.
4. Await an email specifying an appointment for the authentication of the civil prenuptial agreement, depending on the dates available.
5. Attend in person at the scheduled time to complete the authentication of the civil prenuptial agreement, or attend remotely by videoconference (for residents only).
6. Collect the civil prenuptial agreement after it has been digitally authenticated.

Required Documents

1. UAE Identity Card of each party.
2. Passport of each party.
3. The prenuptial agreement to be authenticated (in Arabic and English).

Fees

950

Terms and Conditions

1. The applicant must possess the requisite legal capacity to submit the application.
2. The parties to the transaction must be non UAE nationals, apart from non Muslim UAE nationals.
3. No first or second degree kinship may exist between the parties to the contract.
4. Neither party may be in an existing marriage with any other person.
5. If the agreement is not based on the approved template available on the website, the parties must prepare their own agreement, have it legally translated in accordance with applicable rules into both Arabic and English. It must be duly signed by both parties.
6. Remote authentication of a prenuptial agreement via videoconference technology is permitted only where all parties are resident in the United Arab Emirates.

Electronic Forms

• Civil Marriage
• Prenuptial Agreement

Frequently Asked Questions

• 1. Must I be a resident of the United Arab Emirates in order to enter into a civil marriage?

You do not need to be a resident of the UAE in order to enter into a civil marriage. On the contrary, tourists are encouraged to apply for a civil marriage regardless of where they live. You may submit your application from anywhere in the world through the electronic portal. However, please note that once your application has been submitted and the court fees have been paid, you must travel to Abu Dhabi to attend the civil marriage ceremony.

• 2. Must I bring a witness with me?

There is no requirement to bring a witness with you, but you may bring your family and friends to the marriage ceremony.

• 3. Are the bride and groom permitted to exchange wedding rings and to recite marriage vows to one another?

Yes, this is permitted but not mandatory. Upon arrival at the marriage ceremony hall, please inform the officiating team about the intent to exchange of rings or any personal marriage vows that the couple wishes to recite.

• 4. May I submit a prenuptial agreement?

Yes, but it is important to note that it is not mandatory. The court has an approved template to assist you in drafting the agreement, and it will be sent to you once the application is submitted. You may submit the application through the following link click here

• 5. I am no longer able to attend the marriage ceremony; what should I do?

You must notify the court at least 24 hours in advance if you are unable to attend the ceremony. If you wish to reschedule the appointment, the court will make every effort to accommodate your request. Please note that fees paid are refundable only in very limited circumstances. should you be unable to notify the court at least 24 hours in advance, you will need to submit a new application.

• 6. Is this marriage considered lawful in my home country?

A civil marriage, like any other official marriage, is approved and issued by the court, and thereafter must be attested by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. If you have any concerns, you should contact the embassy of your home country.