Get Married in Just 24 Hours: ADJD Introduces Express Civil Marriage Service in Abu Dhabi

The Abu Dhabi Judicial Department (ADJD) has introduced an express civil marriage service that enables couples to legally marry within 24 hours.

This service is available to both residents and tourists, offering a fast, convenient, and hassle-free marriage process. The express service can be accessed online or in person.

Background: Law No. 14 of 2021

The Abu Dhabi Government enacted Law No. 14 of 2021 Concerning Personal Status for Non-Muslim Foreigners. This law emphasises the importance of formalising marital relationships, aiming to protect the rights of both spouses and their children.

It provides a legal framework for civil marriages independent of religious laws, ensuring fair and consistent treatment for all parties involved.

What is a Civil Marriage?

Under Article 7 of the law, a marriage is classified as civil when it is conducted and officially recorded according to prevailing laws and regulations, without regard to religious laws.

This allows both UAE residents with Emirates IDs and non-residents to marry, including situations where one spouse is a resident and the other is a visitor.

Types of Civil Marriage

The ADJD offers two types of civil marriage services:

Standard Civil Marriage:

* The court schedules the date and time based on availability.

* The entire process takes between 2 to 3 weeks.

Express Marriage:

* Allows couples to select their preferred date and time for the ceremony.

* The process is expedited, taking 2 to 3 days.

Eligibility and Requirements for Civil Marriage

Couples must meet specific conditions and provide the required documents to apply for the fast-track marriage process. This express service is accessible to all, presenting a unique opportunity for UAE residents and tourists alike. To qualify, applicants must provide:

Passport copy

* UAE residence visa (if applicable)

* Emirates ID copy (if applicable)

* Active UAE PASS app (if applicable)

* Declaration of single status

* Completed marriage application form

* Proof of divorce, if applicable

* Death certificate of a former spouse, if applicable

* A fully completed and signed application form for civil marriage, with the 'Express' option marked

* A prenuptial agreement, though optional, can be presented by the couple

Application Process

The ADJD has simplified the application process with two methods:

Online Application:

* Access the official ADJD website: www.adjd.gov.ae.

* Sign in to your UAE Pass account (visitors can create one if necessary).

* Complete the online form with details of both parties.

* Attach the required documents, including the marriage application form.

* Pay the express service fee using a credit or debit card.

In-Person Application:

* Visit the ADJD typing centre or the Civil Family Court.

* Submit the completed marriage application form and necessary documents to the respective authorities.

The ADJD provides a step-by-step guide for those using the online application system to ensure clarity in the marriage process.

Step-by-Step Online Application Guide

Log into the ADJD Portal and Select the Civil Marriage Online Form

* Visit the official ADJD website: www.adjd.gov.ae/en/Pages/CivilFamilyCourt.aspx.

* Click on 'Marriage' and choose whether you are a UAE resident or a tourist.

* Log in with your UAE Pass account.

* Register a new case by selecting 'Civil Family Court Registration Requests (Marriage, inheritance, and wills)'.

* Select the region and branch (ADJD headquarters).

Fill Out the Application and Submit Documents Online

* Choose 'Non-Muslim Marriage' and then 'Premium Civil Marriage'.

* Fill in the online form with details of both parties.

* Verify the details from the UAE Pass account and upload the required documents, including the marriage application form.

Pay the Fee for the Express Service

* Verify the application details and pay the express service fee online with a credit or debit card.

Receive Approval and Set the Date and Time for the Wedding

* You will receive approval within 24 hours. Set a date and time via the online appointment system or the court will contact you to arrange it. Once confirmed, you will receive the appointment details by email. The wedding will take place at the Civil Family Court.

You will receive the marriage certificate at the end of the ceremony. According to the ADJD, the document must be notarised and attested by the UAE’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA).

Tie the Knot via Video Call

The ADJD also offers the convenience of virtual civil marriage ceremonies through video conferencing. Once your marriage contract is finalised and digitally signed, you can choose between an in-person or online ceremony when booking your appointment.

Your certified marriage contract will be delivered to you electronically as soon as the ceremony is complete.

How Long Does the Process Take?

Your express civil marriage application will be processed by the ADJD within 24 hours (one working day).

Post-Ceremony Formalities

After the express civil marriage ceremony, couples must fulfil certain formalities to ensure their marriage is fully recognised and documented:

* Notarisation and Attestation: The ADJD marriage certificate must be notarised and attested by the UAE’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA).

* Additional Documentation: Additional documentation may be required, such as a prenuptial agreement or legal translations of certain documents.

Ceremony Details

The ceremony takes place at the Civil Family Court in the ADJD main court building. The working hours are:

* Monday to Thursday: 9:00 AM to 1:30 PM

* Friday: 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM
The ceremony lasts about 15 minutes. Couples can exchange rings, include personal vows, and invite guests to the ceremony. Photographs and videos are permitted.

After the Ceremony

Standard Marriage: Marriage certificate issued within 3 days.

Express Marriage: Marriage certificate issued immediately after the ceremony.

To be valid outside the UAE, the marriage certificate must be attested by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Fees

Standard Civil Marriage: Dh300

Express Civil Marriage: Dh2,500

Marriage/Pre-Nuptial Agreement: Additional Dh950

Conclusion

The express civil marriage service offered by the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department reflects the city’s commitment to providing efficient and innovative solutions for residents and visitors.

The streamlined application process and quick turnaround allow couples to begin their marital journey promptly, bypassing traditional delays and bureaucratic obstacles.