Marriage is one of the milestones in life and it is important to make sure that all legalities are taken care of which make the process easy. As a multi-cultural center, Abu Dhabi has certain marriage regulations, which are managed by the Abu Dhabi Marriage Court. This is a full-fledged guide on the marriage requirements in Abu Dhabi.
Requirements of Abu Dhabi Marriage Court
| Category | Requirement | Applies To | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eligibility | Age | Both Parties | – Must be at least 18 years old – For Muslim marriages involving a minor (under 18 Hijri years), judge’s approval is required. |
| Eligibility | Marital Status | Both Parties | – Must not be currently married. – A declaration stating they are not married is required. |
| Eligibility | Relationship | Both Parties | – Must not be related by first or second degree (e.g., siblings, parents, children, aunts, uncles). |
| Documentation (Both Parties) | Passport | All | – Original and copy required. |
| Documentation (If Applicable) | Emirates ID | UAE Residents | – Original and copy required (if applicable). |
| Documentation (If Applicable) | Birth Certificate | All | – Original required. |
| Documentation (If Applicable) | Certificate of No Impediment to Marriage | Non-UAE Nationals | – Issued by your home country’s embassy or consulate in the UAE. |
| Documentation (If Applicable) | Medical Certificate | All (Optional) | – Issued by a UAE-licensed medical facility (required only if mandated by your embassy/consulate). |
| Documentation (Muslim Marriages Only) | Premarital Screening Certificate | Both Parties | |
| Witnesses (Optional) | Presence | Ceremony | – Two male Muslim witnesses required for Muslim marriages. <br> – Witnesses not mandatory for civil marriages, but guests are welcome. |
| Witnesses (If Applicable) | Documentation | Muslim Marriages | – Passport, Emirates ID (if applicable), and visa (copy and original) required for witnesses. |
| Guardian Consent (Muslim Marriages Only) | Bride | – Consent required from her father or his proxy. | |
| Application | Submission | All | – Online application available [refer to Abu Dhabi Judicial Department website for details]. |
| Ceremony | Location | Civil Marriages | – Civil Family Court, ADJD main court building. |
| Ceremony | Personalization | Civil Marriages | – Ring exchange and vows are permitted but not mandatory (inform the court beforehand if desired). |
| Court Fees | Payment | All | – Required upon application submission. |
How To Marriage In Abu Dhabi Marriage Court
1. Gather the Requirements
Marriage is a beautiful union of two souls, which is necessary in the life of many people. The marriage procedure in Abu Dhabi is characterized by meeting some requirements to make the marriage legal and dignified. Being a resident or visiting, it is significant to know these requirements and go through a smooth process of marriage.
2. Submit the Application Online
- Abu Dhabi Judicial Department (ADJD) website: https://www.adjd.gov.ae/en/pages/home.aspx
- Application Form of marriage: [ download at Abu Dhabi Judicial Department (ADJD) site].
After getting together all the documents, the next step is to apply to get married via the internet. Abu Dhabi has a convenient online system through which couples can create an account and make an application comfortably.
Fill Out the Application Form
Go to the official site of Abu Dhabi Marriage Court and find the online application form. Complete the form and fill in the necessary information.
Upload Supporting Documents
Scan and upload all the supporting documents required as per the requirements written on the site. Ensure that the papers are readable and understandable to prevent wastage of time when submitting your application.
Review and Submit
You should go through all information presented before providing them so as to make sure that it is accurate. When you are contented, proceed and hand in the application and wait to be contacted by the authorities.
3. Wait for Approval
Once you make an application, the Abu Dhabi Marriage Court will be able to look into your case and check the authenticity of the submitted documents. It might be time consuming and therefore, one must be patient and wait till the court has made a decision.
Follow-Up if Necessary
In case you have not been informed about the status of your application as per the expected time, then you should not wait to be informed before you contact the court to clarify to them. It can happen that some applications are postponed because of a certain reason, and a subtle hint can give a push to the process.
4. Attend the Ceremony
In case of approval of your application to marry, your partner will be informed by the Abu Dhabi Marriage Court to arrange the marriage ceremony. Arrange it and get ready to the occasion.
Ceremony Details
The court shall serve you with all the particulars you need to know about the date, time, and place of marriage ceremony. Make sure to be punctual and be dressed suitably.
Legal Formalities
You will have to sign formal papers during the ceremony in order to legalize your marriage. Listening to the court authorities carefully and strictly complying with the process is important.
Marriage Laws in Abu Dhabi
Requirements for Marriage
The couples should fulfill some criteria before marrying in Abu Dhabi such as legal age, mental ability, and no prohibited relationships. Furthermore, the two parties should present acceptable identification as well as parental consent where necessary.
Marriage Registration Process
Marriage registration process is done by applying to the authorities in charge with the relevant documents, including passports, birth certificates, and evidence of marital status. After this is accepted, the marriage contract is registered and the couple is issued with a certificate of marriage.
Divorce Laws in Abu Dhabi
Grounds for Divorce
Abu Dhabi acknowledges different reasons of divorce which include irreconcilable differences, adultery, abuse and abandonment. The wife or husband can take the case of divorce to court where the court examines the case and makes its verdict.
Divorce Procedures
The divorce process in Abu Dhabi is normally a legal process or a mediation or arbitration process that enables dispute over assets, custody and support to be resolved. The interference of the courts may take the form of interim orders that are given where there is an urgent issue that the divorce processes are underway.
Child Custody and Support
Custody Laws
Child custody is done according to the best interests of the child in instances of divorce or separation. Such considerations as parental stability, capacity and preferences of the child are taken into account in courts when deciding to establish custody of the child. Both parents are normally advised to have a constructive relationship with a child.
Child Support Guidelines
Abu Dhabi has laid down the principles of child support so that children should get financial aid to support their up-bringing and welfare. This is calculated by the amount of income that the parents have as well as the expenses and the needs of the child.
Inheritance Laws
Distribution of Assets
The laws of inheritance in Abu Dhabi control the way assets and properties are distributed to the heirs as per the Islamic doctrine. These laws describe the division of shares of inheritance to the wives and husbands, children and parents and other family members to have equitable divisions.
Wills and Inheritance Procedures
People can also make wills to have their will concerning how their possessions shall be shared after their death. Wills should also adhere to the legal requirements and they might undergo the process of probate to prove their validity and enforceability.
Domestic Violence Laws
Protection Orders
The laws against domestic violence are strict in Abu Dhabi and comes in support and defense of victims. Domestic violence victims are allowed to pursue restraining orders and legal action to guarantee their well being and safety.
Legal Remedies for Victims
Domestic violence victims can avail different legal solutions through seeking the help of law enforcers, getting protection orders, and initiating civil or criminal prosecution against the offenders. The victims receive guidance and support by the legal professionals and support organizations during the legal process.
Adoption Laws
Adoption Process
Adoption laws in Abu Dhabi govern the procedure of adopting a child and they have focused on the best interest of the child and the suitability of the would-be adoptive parents. Adoption process entails evaluation, adoption, and court proceedings to conclude the adoption.
Requirements for Adopting a Child
There are some conditions that the prospective adoptive parents should fulfill such as age, marital status, financial stability and parenting aptitude. Also, background check, home visit and interview could also be carried out to determine the suitability of the prospective parents to adopt.
Conclusion
The process of marrying in Abu Dhabi can be overwhelming at first glance but with the help of the right direction and the knowledge of the steps and procedure, it can be a simple and rewarding process. With the assistance of this guide, couples are able to make sure that their application process flows to the ceremony leading to a happy love and commitment celebration.
