UAE comprises a diverse and dynamic range of people. It is home to UAE nationals and almost 80 percent of people are from around the globe majorly from South Asia, Europe, and America. Abu Dhabi is a prominent Emirate of UAE. The main attraction of Abu Dhabi is its modern infrastructure, infinite job opportunities, endless amenities, moderate lifestyle, and top-notch safety measures. In recent years, Abu Dhabi has experienced a heavy influx of expatriates after Dubai. The city openly welcomes them irrespective of their class, color, creed, race, religion, gender, or background. Nonetheless, a huge amount of expatriates are non-Muslims. In Abu Dhabi, a lot of changes have been introduced to the family laws to accommodate non-Muslims just like Muslims living in Abu Dhabi.
The legal matters are resolved very quickly in Abu Dhabi to facilitate the residents of the city. Lawyers in Abu Dhabi also play a key role. These smart professionals offer legal assistance in various legal subjects. They also offer annual retainer ship service. The residents of the city come from distinct cultures and backgrounds that have allowed its economy to become multicultural. Family Laws in Abu Dhabi is an amalgamation of sharia laws and international best standards. Family matters keep arising and Abu Dhabi has vigilantly catered to the needs of the general public with historic reforms in family laws. For instance, if an issue arises in non-Muslim families they are resolved according to civil laws and international laws. On the other hand, for Muslim expatriates or UAE nationals, all familial issues are resolved according to the Sharia laws. Islamic laws are based on the Islamic principles which were previously applied to everyone in UAE without any distinction of religion.
Now the situation has changed for the better. Emirate of Abu Dhabi is independent to make its own family laws and thus, they have become more flexible, tolerant, and accepting towards other religions and practices. After recent reforms, Muslim marriages will still be resolving their familial matters according to Islamic laws. Marriages in Abu Dhabi are attached to certain specifications. In Abu Dhabi Muslim couples will marry according to the Sharia principles irrespective of their nationality, ethnicity, or background.
However here is proper documentation and a certain procedure which must be followed for a validity and legal marriage to take place. On the other hand, the non-Muslim couples in Abu Dhabi also need to fulfill specific requirements and adhere to some steps. The documentation is essential before entering matrimonial bliss.ย The non โMuslim couples will marry according to their religion and all the necessary procedures are important. The non-Muslim couple needs to fulfill the eligibility criteria before tying the knot in Abu Dhabi. They must meet the age criteria which are established at 18 or above. The legal age is established for all irrespective of religion or cultural values. Additionally, non-Muslims can marry one man and one woman at 1 time. They cannot indulge in acts of polygamy just like in Islam.
Under Islamic laws, Muslim men are permitted to marry 4 times at 1 time. On the other hand, a Muslim woman is allowed to marry a single man at 1 time. In Abu Dhabi, it is essential to ensure medical fitness. Both spouses irrespective of their religion must take the premarital medical test. This will rule out any possibility of hereditary disease or any prolonged sickness.
In a Muslim marriage, the man is bound to give dowry to the woman upon marriage.
The dowry is called โMEHRโ which is considered to be the security of a woman. It is the right of women in Islam to receive the dowry from the husband. Consent of both men and women is compulsory before getting married in Abu Dhabi. It is for both Muslim and non-Muslim marriages. Abu Dhabi family law has made it mandatory to seek the consent of the 2 people.
In Muslim marriage, there is a requirement of 2 witnesses. Moreover, the brideโs parents or guardians must agree to the marriage. The marriage arrangement in Muslim marriage requires the presence of 2 men. They will be eyewitnesses to the marriage and will validate the marriage arrangement. In case any of the spouses have been divorced before, it is compulsory to submit the divorce papers before getting married for the second time. Both Muslim marriage and non-Muslim marriages happening in Abu Dhabi must be registered properly.
There is a proper procedure for the registration of marriage that must be followed. However, it is quite simple to register your Muslim marriage in Abu Dhabi. All the couple needs to do is visit the Abu Dhabi Sharia courts. Both parties need to submit their relevant documents before marriage. They might need to submit papers like copies of passports, Emirates IDs, work permits, and residency visas.ย With this, they need to submit the medical certificates to ensure both are free from hereditary disease in any potential. Abu Dhabi Sharia Court will be accessing the documents for their validity. After evaluation is done, the Muslim marriage will be declared lawful and valid. Both of them need to sign the marriage contract before the judges and witnesses to ensure it.
Non-Muslim marriages in Abu Dhabi must adhere to the civil marriage laws in Abu Dhabi. They must meet the eligibility criteria including the age limit, pre-marital medical report, proof of marital status, and more. Furthermore, non-Muslim marriages cannot take place between first-degree cousins or direct blood cousins. This act is strictly prohibited. The non-Muslim marriage in Abu Dhabi shows the progression and acceptance of other religions, cultures, and traditions.
Just like a Muslim marriage, a non-Muslim marriage also needs to fulfill the requirements of a procedure for registration. They must visit their non-Muslim family court to register their marriage. However, they have another option for registering their marriage. In case a non-Muslim couple does not want to visit courts in Abu Dhabi they can register their marriage via a digital platform using social media applications. Online registration is the option available for non-Muslim marriage in Abu Dhabi. They need to submit certain documents for registration. They need to submit copies of passports, residency visas, Emirates IDs, and a declaration of marital status.
