Everything you need to know about legally getting married in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and all seven emirates requirements, documents, costs, step-by-step processes, and what to do after your wedding.
Last Updated: March 2026 • Covers Federal Decree-Law No. 41/2022 & Abu Dhabi Law No. 14/2021
The UAE recognises marriage as the sole legal bond between a man and a woman for forming a family. Whether you are a UAE national, an expatriate resident, or a visiting tourist, the country provides structured and increasingly digital processes to formalise your union. As of 2026, there are three distinct legal pathways to get married in the UAE, and the one that applies to you depends primarily on your religion and residency status.
| Pathway | Who It’s For | Governing Law | Where |
|---|---|---|---|
| Civil Marriage | Non-Muslim residents and tourists (anyone except Muslim UAE nationals) | Federal Decree-Law No. 41/2022; Abu Dhabi Law No. 14/2021 | Abu Dhabi Civil Family Court; Dubai Courts |
| Sharia (Islamic) Marriage | Muslim couples (regardless of nationality); Muslim groom + non-Muslim bride (People of the Book) | Federal Decree-Law No. 41/2024 on Personal Status Law (effective 15 April 2025) | Sharia Courts and authorised Mazoons in all seven emirates |
| Embassy / Consulate Marriage | Expatriates following their home country’s marriage laws | Home country’s laws, registered with the embassy | Respective embassy or consulate in UAE |
The introduction of civil marriage was a landmark shift in UAE family law. Two separate but complementary frameworks now serve non-Muslim couples, one in Abu Dhabi and one in Dubai. Both are secular, contract-based unions that do not require religious ceremonies, guardians, or witnesses (in Abu Dhabi’s case).
Established under Abu Dhabi Law No. 14 of 2021 (as amended), the Abu Dhabi Civil Family Court offers the most accessible civil marriage option in the UAE. Administered by the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department (ADJD), it is open to anyone regardless of nationality or religion — the only exception being Muslim UAE nationals, who must marry under Sharia law.
Key advantages of Abu Dhabi:
Dubai launched its own civil marriage service under the Federal Decree-Law No. 41 of 2022 on Civil Personal Status for Non-Muslims. The service enables couples to obtain a civil wedding licence in as little as 24 hours through Dubai Courts.
Key requirements specific to Dubai:
Islamic marriages in the UAE are governed by the Federal Decree-Law No. 41 of 2024 on Personal Status Law, which came into effect on 15 April 2025. These marriages are conducted by Sharia courts or by authorised marriage officers known as Mazoons in each emirate. The provisions apply to all Muslim couples, regardless of nationality.
Requirements for Sharia marriage:
Interfaith rules under Sharia: A Muslim man may marry a non-Muslim woman from the People of the Book (Ahl al-Kitab Christians and Jews). However, a Muslim woman cannot marry a non-Muslim man unless he provides an official certificate of conversion to Islam.
Expatriates in the UAE also have the option of marrying at their home country’s embassy or consulate. This pathway follows the marriage laws of the couple’s country of origin and is entirely separate from the UAE court system. The marriage certificate is issued by the embassy and must subsequently be attested by the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) for local legal recognition.
Common embassy marriage requirements (varies by country):
| Feature | Civil (Abu Dhabi) | Civil (Dubai) | Sharia (All Emirates) | Embassy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Religion | Any (except Muslim UAE nationals) | Non-Muslims only | Muslims (or Muslim groom + non-Muslim bride) | Any |
| Minimum Age | 18 years | 21 years | 18 Hijri years | Per home country law |
| Residency Required | No tourists allowed | Yes at least one party must be a Dubai resident | In Dubai: one party must be a resident. Other emirates: both must be residents | Varies by embassy |
| Witnesses | Not required (notary acts as witness) | May be required (evolving) | Two male Muslim witnesses required | Per embassy rules |
| Guardian / Wali | Not required | Not required | Bride’s father or nearest male kin required (Muslim brides) | Per home country law |
| Medical Screening | Not required | Not required (civil track) | Mandatory | Not required by UAE |
| Government Fee | AED 300 (regular) / AED 2,500 (express) | AED 480–500 | Varies by emirate (AED 100–500+) | Set by embassy |
| Processing Time | 10 working days (regular) / 1 day (express) | 1–10 working days | 1–7 working days | Varies widely |
| Digital Application | Yes via ADJD website / TAMM | Yes via Dubai Courts portal | Yes — via eZawaj system | Depends on embassy |
Pre-marital medical screening is mandatory for all Sharia (Islamic) marriages in the UAE. The marriage contract cannot be registered without a valid medical certificate for both parties. Civil marriage applicants are exempt from this requirement.
The screening tests for infectious diseases (HIV, Hepatitis B & C, Syphilis) and genetic conditions (Beta-thalassemia, Sickle Cell Anaemia, and other haemoglobinopathies). It also includes Rubella (German Measles) testing and blood group identification.
| Where | Provider | Approximate Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Abu Dhabi | SEHA / Department of Health-approved facilities | AED 260–500 |
| Dubai | DHA Primary Healthcare Centres | AED 260–500 |
| Sharjah & Northern Emirates | Emirates Health Services (EHS) facilities | AED 260–400 |
| Ajman | Government of Ajman health centres | AED 200–350 |
A marriage application may be denied if the medical screening certificate shows a negative result. The consultation typically lasts about 12 minutes and results are usually available within 2–5 working days.
| Cost Item | Civil (Abu Dhabi) | Civil (Dubai) | Sharia Marriage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Court / Government Fee | AED 300 (regular) / AED 2,500 (express) | AED 480–500 | AED 100–500 (varies by emirate) |
| Pre-Marital Medical Screening | Not required | Not required | AED 260–500 |
| Document Translation (per page) | AED 0–300 | AED 150–300 | AED 150–300 |
| Foreign Document Attestation (MOFA) | AED 150 per document | AED 150 per document | AED 150 per document |
| Pre-Nuptial Agreement Notarisation (optional) | AED 950 | N/A | N/A |
| Estimated Total Range | AED 300–3,500 | AED 1,500–4,000 | AED 500–2,500 |
Prepare passport copies (or Emirates ID for residents), proof of dissolution of any previous marriage, and an optional pre-nuptial agreement. No bachelorhood certificate is required.
Apply through the ADJD website or at one of the ADJD-approved typing centres in Abu Dhabi. Choose between regular service (AED 300, processed in ~10 working days) or express service (AED 2,500, processed in 1 working day).
Pay online via the ADJD portal. If filing a pre-nuptial agreement simultaneously, an additional notarisation fee of AED 950 applies.
The court confirms your ceremony date and time via email. Express applicants can choose their preferred date in line with court operating hours.
Go to the ADJD main court building (enter through Gate 5). Present the ceremony confirmation and a physical copy of your passport or Emirates ID. Verify the details on your draft marriage certificate. You will be taken to the ceremony room where a marriage notary is present. Vows are read via a pre-recorded voiceover available in 7 languages. You may bring unlimited guests, a photographer, and a videographer. Exchange rings and personal vows if desired.
Both parties sign the marriage certificate at the end of the ceremony. The certificate is issued immediately and is digitally verifiable.
Most couples choose to get the certificate attested by the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA). This is essential if you plan to use the certificate outside the UAE or for spouse visa sponsorship.
Obtain attested bachelorhood (marital status) certificates from your home country’s Foreign Affairs ministry, UAE Embassy in your country, and UAE MOFA. Get certified Arabic translations from a Ministry of Justice-approved translator. Start this process 2–3 months ahead.
Apply through the Dubai Courts portal or at an approved Dubai Courts service centre (Al Yalayis, Wafi Mall, or Al Barsha Traffic Building). Upload all documents in PDF format.
The standard court fee is approximately AED 480–500. Translation and attestation fees are separate and vary based on your documents.
The couple (or authorised legal representatives) must appear in person. Present original ID documents. The judge will verify documents and formalise the civil marriage contract.
The marriage certificate is issued digitally and stored in your UAE Pass account. It is available almost immediately after the ceremony.
Both parties must undergo screening at an authorised healthcare facility. Obtain the medical fitness certificate for marriage. Allow 2–5 working days for results.
Submit a marriage application through the Ministry of Justice’s eZawaj digital system using UAE Pass. The system operates across all federal Sharia courts. Book an appointment and select an authorised marriage official (Mazoon).
Compile Emirates IDs, passports, medical certificates, proof of marital status (single/divorced/widowed), and any required NOCs. Divorcees must provide a final divorce decree; widowed persons must provide a death certificate.
Pay all court and Mazoon fees through the eZawaj portal. Fees vary by emirate.
The couple, the bride’s guardian (Wali), and two male Muslim witnesses must attend. The Mazoon conducts the Nikah (marriage contract) ceremony. The groom presents the Mahr (dowry) to the bride.
The approved marriage certificate is issued electronically through the eZawaj system. Paper-based transactions are no longer required.
The UAE’s marriage laws have specific provisions for interfaith unions. Understanding these rules is essential to avoid complications during the application process.
| Scenario | Permitted? | Process |
|---|---|---|
| Muslim man + Christian/Jewish woman | Yes | Sharia Court the bride does not need to convert |
| Muslim woman + non-Muslim man | Only if the man converts to Islam | Sharia Court official conversion certificate required |
| Two non-Muslims of different religions | Yes | Civil Marriage (Abu Dhabi or Dubai) |
| Muslim + atheist/agnostic | Civil marriage option only if neither is a Muslim UAE national | Abu Dhabi Civil Family Court |
If both partners are visiting the UAE on tourist or visit visas without any residency, your options are specific:
Abu Dhabi explicitly allows tourist marriages with no residency requirement. Only a valid passport is needed. The express service can complete everything in 24 hours. Cost: AED 2,500 for express or AED 300 for regular (10 working days).
Some embassies in the UAE perform marriages for their nationals even when they are on tourist visas. Requirements vary significantly by country. Contact your embassy in advance — some require 3–4 weeks of notice.
Dubai requires at least one party to hold a valid UAE residence visa. If neither partner is a Dubai resident, you cannot marry through Dubai Courts. Abu Dhabi is the recommended alternative.
The UAE has made significant strides in digitising the marriage process. Two primary digital platforms handle marriage applications:
The eZawaj system is a fully integrated digital platform operational across all federal Sharia courts. It allows couples to submit marriage applications, book appointments with authorised Mazoons, pay fees electronically, and receive digital marriage certificates — all without paper-based transactions. Access it via UAE Pass at the Ministry of Justice website.
Abu Dhabi couples can also apply for civil marriage through the TAMM portal, which integrates with the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department. The TAMM app additionally supports online civil weddings, allowing couples to complete the entire process remotely.
Dubai’s civil marriage applications are submitted through the Dubai Courts online portal. The initial stages (document upload, fee payment) are handled digitally, but a short in-person appearance before a Notarial Judge is still required for finalising the contract.
Your marriage certificate marks the beginning of several administrative steps. Here is the complete post-marriage roadmap:
If your marriage certificate was issued in the UAE and you need to use it for local government services (spouse visa, Ejari, banking) or internationally, get it attested by the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs. As of 2026, MOFA uses a digital attestation system the physical stamping counters have been replaced. Submit your original certificate via courier and it is returned digitally attested within 48 hours.
To make your UAE-issued marriage certificate valid in your home country (for taxes, social security, or name changes), you need a “reverse attestation” chain: Dubai/Abu Dhabi Courts stamp → MOFA attestation → Your country’s Embassy/Consulate legalisation.
With your attested marriage certificate, you can apply for a spouse/family residence visa. The minimum salary requirement in 2026 is AED 4,000/month (or AED 3,000 + employer-provided accommodation). Apply through GDRFA or Amer service centres.
Your sponsored spouse must complete a medical fitness test and register for an Emirates ID. Both are mandatory before the residence visa can be stamped.
Sponsors are legally responsible for providing health insurance coverage for their dependents. This must be secured before the residency is finalised.
GloboPrime handles the complete chain from MOFA digital attestation to family visa processing. Over 10,000 families reunited.
Each nationality faces unique document requirements based on their embassy’s regulations. Here are the most common:
| Nationality | Additional Requirements |
|---|---|
| Indian | Bachelorhood certificate attested by SDM → MEA → UAE Embassy → MOFA. NRI certificate may be required. Hindi documents need Arabic translation. |
| Pakistani | Nikah Nama required for Sharia marriages. Attestation chain: Union Council → MOFA Pakistan → UAE Embassy → MOFA UAE. |
| Filipino | CENOMAR (Certificate of No Marriage) from PSA Philippines is mandatory. It must be authenticated by DFA Philippines and attested by UAE Embassy. |
| British | Affidavit of Non-Impediment (CNI) from the British Embassy. Requires 7–14 days notice period before issuance. |
| American | Notarised affidavit from US Embassy confirming single status. State Department authentication may be required. Apostille for use in Abu Dhabi. |
| Egyptian | Bachelor certificate from Egyptian consulate. If previously married: court-attested divorce decree. All documents must be in Arabic. |
| Bangladeshi | Certificate of Marriageable Age from Bangladesh Embassy. Police clearance may be required. |
A final divorce decree must be provided. For Sharia marriages, a woman must observe the Iddah (waiting period) before remarrying typically three menstrual cycles or three lunar months. For civil marriages, there is no mandated waiting period, but the divorce must be finalised.
UAE law permits a Muslim man to have up to four wives simultaneously, provided he offers equal sustenance and treatment to all. The man must declare his existing marriages when applying. Judicial approval may be required in some cases. Civil marriages under the non-Muslim personal status law do not permit polygamy.
While the legal age is 18, marriages involving a party below this age require judicial approval. The court evaluates the circumstances and may grant permission based on the best interests of the parties involved. Parental consent is mandatory for underage applicants.
Emirati men in the Armed Forces, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, or Police must obtain special permission from their employer before marrying an expatriate. Ajman nationals require Sharia Court approval if marrying a woman from outside GCC countries.
A foreigner who wishes to marry an Emirati citizen must obtain a certificate of good conduct and behaviour from Abu Dhabi Police.
Not through Dubai Courts at least one party must be a Dubai resident. However, you can marry at the Abu Dhabi Civil Family Court, which allows tourist marriages, or at your embassy/consulate in the UAE.
The regular civil marriage service at Abu Dhabi Civil Family Court costs AED 300 (processed in ~10 working days). The express service costs AED 2,500 (processed in 1 working day). Additional costs may include document translation and attestation.
No. Pre-marital medical screening is mandatory only for Sharia (Islamic) marriages. Civil marriage applicants in both Abu Dhabi and Dubai are exempt.
Only if the man officially converts to Islam and provides a valid conversion certificate. Without conversion, the Sharia court will not register the marriage.
No. The Abu Dhabi Civil Family Court does not require witnesses. The marriage notary acts as the sole legal witness. However, you can bring guests, and the ceremony allows photographers and videographers.
eZawaj is the Ministry of Justice’s fully digital marriage platform for Sharia marriages. It is operational across all federal Sharia courts and allows couples to submit applications, book Mazoons, pay fees, and receive e-certificates without paper transactions. Login is via UAE Pass.
Yes, through the express service (AED 2,500). The application is fast-tracked within one working day, and you can choose your ceremony time based on court availability.
Vows are read via a pre-recorded voiceover available in seven languages. If you need a language other than English, inform the court in advance.
MOFA now uses a digital attestation system. Submit your original certificate via courier and it is returned digitally attested within approximately 48 hours.
AED 4,000/month or AED 3,000/month if your employer provides accommodation. This applies regardless of job title any expat meeting the salary threshold can sponsor their spouse.
Yes, but the embassy-issued marriage certificate must be attested by UAE MOFA before it is accepted for government procedures like spouse visa, Ejari, or banking.
Yes, the amount is agreed upon between the parties. However, for UAE nationals, the law caps the advance Mahr at AED 20,000 and the deferred Mahr at AED 30,000 (total AED 50,000 maximum). These caps do not apply to expatriate Muslims.
No. UAE law defines marriage exclusively as a union between a man and a woman. Same-sex marriages are not legally recognised under any pathway.
If the father is deceased or cannot attend, the next closest male kin (elder brother, uncle) serves as the guardian. Proxy arrangements may be possible but require judicial evaluation. Non-Emirati Muslim brides may be exempt from the guardian requirement if their home country’s law does not mandate it.
Yes. Abu Dhabi’s civil marriage framework allows couples to submit a pre-nuptial agreement alongside their marriage application. An additional notarisation fee of AED 950 applies. Dubai’s civil marriage service does not currently offer this option at the time of application.
Generally yes, but it depends on the laws of your home country. To ensure recognition, get your UAE marriage certificate attested by MOFA and then legalised or apostilled by your embassy/consulate. Some countries may require additional registration steps upon return.
For civil marriages, there is no mandatory waiting period after a finalised divorce. For Sharia marriages, women must observe the Iddah period (typically three menstrual cycles) before remarrying.
It must be translated by a certified legal translator into Arabic (and sometimes English). The translation must be attested by the Ministry of Justice in the UAE. For Dubai court applications, only Arabic translations are accepted.
For Sharia marriages, yes — each emirate has its own Sharia courts and authorised Mazoons. For civil marriages, there are currently no dedicated civil marriage courts in Sharjah or the Northern Emirates. Non-Muslim couples in these emirates are directed to the Abu Dhabi or Dubai civil marriage facilities.
Contact GloboPrime for a free consultation. We’ll assess your religion, residency status, and nationality to recommend the fastest and most cost-effective route. We also handle all document attestation, translation, and post-marriage visa processing.
From document attestation and Arabic translation to MOFA stamping, spouse visa sponsorship, and Emirates ID processing we manage every step so you can focus on your celebration.
Services: Marriage Certificate Attestation • Spouse/Family Visa • MOFA Digital Attestation • Document Translation • Embassy Coordination
© 2026 GloboPrime. This guide is updated regularly based on official UAE government sources including u.ae, ADJD, Dubai Courts, Ministry of Justice (eZawaj), and the Department of Health. It is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.
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