Civil marriage and Personal Status Law in UAE

The UAE is the second home to a diverse population from different ethnicities, cultures, and religions. Marriage in UAE is governed by the Personal Status Law, which outlines the legal requirements and procedures.

As a result, the Personal Status Law accommodates the unique needs and requirements of various religious communities in the country, including Muslims, Christians, and Hindus among others.

One of the main aspects of the Personal Status Law is that it recognizes marriage as a legal contract between a man and a woman. The law aims at protecting the rights of the couple and their children. The law requires that both parties must be at least 18 years old and give their free consent to the marriage. Both parties must also sign a declaration form stating that they are not currently married to anyone else.

In the UAE, non-Muslims can also legally get married under the Personal Status Law, provided that both parties are non-Muslims or citizens of a non-Muslim country. Non-Muslim couples can apply for a civil marriage contract, which allows them to get married in a civil ceremony.

The couple must comply with a few legal requirements before they proceed with a civil marriage contract. These requirements include submitting a completed and signed marriage application form, a copy of each person's passport or Emirates ID, and evidence that neither person has any previous marriages on record. A marriage agreement is optional.

In Dubai, at least one party to the marriage contract must have a residence visa in the UAE. In other emirates, both the bride and groom must be UAE residents. According to Dubai Courts, non-Muslim couples planning to get married in a civil ceremony must fulfill certain legal conditions, such as proving that they are single and one of the parties must be a resident of Dubai.

The UAE's Personal Status Law also recognizes the importance of family and provides for the formation of specialized family courts in each emirate. These courts hear and settle family law cases, including disagreements over inheritance, child custody, marriage, and divorce, among other things.

The Personal Status Law provides a legal framework for marriages in the country, accommodating the needs and requirements of different religious communities. The law recognizes marriage as a legal contract to protect the rights of the couple and their children.  Non-Muslim couples can also legally get married in a civil ceremony by fulfilling specific legal requirements. Creating specialized family courts makes it even more definite, so that family disputes are settled quickly and fairly.