Lyla Dejesus
Dubai is a popular destination for weddings, with its captivating settings, safety, and cultural and religious freedom. The laws around marriage in Dubai have been updated in recent years, making it simpler, faster, and more inclusive for non-Muslim couples to tie the knot. With the UAE's Personal Status Law 2025, non-Muslim couples can opt for a civil ceremony separate from Islamic law, which is legally and globally recognized. This article will explore the requirements and processes for different couples looking to get married in Dubai, including expats, Muslims, and tourists.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Who can get married in Dubai? | Anyone, regardless of nationality or religion, except for UAE Muslims. |
| Where can non-Muslim expats marry and register their wedding? | Their home country's embassy or consulate, or one of Dubai's churches. |
| Where can Muslim expats marry and register their wedding? | Sharia courts or via authorised marriage officers (Mazoons) appointed by the Ministry of Justice. |
| What are the requirements for non-Muslim expats? | The bride and groom must be at least 18 years old, have two witnesses for the ceremony, and meet any other requirements of their chosen church. |
| What are the requirements for Muslim expats? | A minimum of two Muslim male witnesses are required. If the bride is Muslim but her father is not, she must get a "No Objection" certificate from her native country's consulate or embassy. |
| What are the requirements for tourists? | Foreigners on a tourist or visit visa cannot legally marry in the UAE unless one of them is a resident. |
| What is the process for a civil marriage? | Submit an application through the ADJD website or an ADJD typing centre in Abu Dhabi. Pay AED 300 for the regular service and get your application processed within 10 working days. |
| What is the process for a court marriage? | Consult a marriage lawyer to handle the paperwork and ensure all formalities are in place. |
| What documents are required? | Emirates ID cards, visa copies, pre-marital health screening certificates, proof of marital status, and passport copies for the couple and the bride's guardian. |
| What is the cost of a civil marriage application? | AED 300 for the regular service. |
| How long does it take to process a civil marriage application? | 10 working days. |
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What You'll Learn
Marriage laws in Dubai
According to Federal Law No. 21 of 1997 on Fixing the Dowry in the Contract of Marriage and Its Expenses, the advance dowry in Islamic marriage may not exceed AED 20,000, and the deferred dowry may not exceed AED 30,000. In the UAE, premarital examination is a requirement for Muslims wishing to get married. The screening includes tests for infectious diseases such as HIV, Hepatitis B & C, syphilis, and genetic diseases such as Beta-thalassemia, sickle cell anaemia, and other hemoglobinopathies. Applicants for a civil marriage are not required to have a premarital screening.
The Federal Decree Law No. 41 of 2022 provides non-Muslim residents the option to follow the laws of their home country or select alternative personal status laws in effect in the UAE. The Federal Decree Law covers matters related to marriage, divorce, inheritance, and child custody. The Abu Dhabi Personal Status Law for non-Muslims regulates personal status matters for non-Muslims in the emirate and provides a flexible and advanced judicial mechanism for the determination of personal status disputes.
Dubai launched a civil marriage service for non-Muslim residents of the emirate, enabling couples to obtain a civil wedding license in just 24 hours. Foreigners can get married in Dubai only if either of the applicants has a residence visa. For a court marriage in Dubai, a certificate of proof of marital status for both parties is required. The certificate must be certified by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the applicant and the UAE Consulate if issued from outside the country.
The regular service for a court marriage in Dubai costs AED 300, and applications will be dealt with within 10 working days. The express service costs AED 2,500, and the application will be fast-tracked and processed within one working day.
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Requirements for expats
Dubai is a popular destination for expats to marry, thanks to its cultural and religious freedom. The marriage rules in the UAE are considered quite simple, and a marriage lawyer can be consulted to navigate the process.
For Muslim expats, the Sharia courts govern marriage requirements. The bride and groom must be Muslim, or the groom must be Muslim and the bride from the People of the Book. The marriage contract must be registered with a Sharia court to be legally valid. The bride's father or proxy must be present, and two male Muslim witnesses over 18 years old are required. The bride and groom must be over 18, unless they have special approval from a judge. The couple must be physically present at the time of the marriage.
Non-Muslim expats can marry in Dubai and register the wedding at their home country's embassy or consulate. Alternatively, Christian expats can marry in a church in Dubai and register the marriage at the embassy or consulate. The marriage must comply with the laws of their specific religion or nationality. The bride and groom must be at least 18 years old, and two witnesses are required for the ceremony. A valid residency visa is required for at least one of the applicants.
Dubai launched a civil marriage service for non-Muslim residents, enabling couples to obtain a civil wedding licence in 24 hours. Proof of being single must be provided, and documents must be submitted in PDF format. For non-Arabic documents, certified Arabic translations are required.
It is recommended that expats consult their respective embassies to be clear on the process and requirements.
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Requirements for tourists
Dubai is a popular destination for weddings, but there are some requirements that tourists must meet if they want to get married there. Firstly, it is important to note that marriage laws in the UAE are subject to change, so it is always best to consult with a lawyer or legal adviser to understand the most up-to-date requirements. That being said, here is some general information about the requirements for tourists who wish to get married in Dubai.
In Dubai, at least one of the parties must hold a valid UAE residency visa. This means that if both individuals are on a tourist or visit visa, they cannot legally marry in the UAE unless one of them obtains a residency visa. However, in Abu Dhabi, tourists and non-residents can marry through the civil court system without needing a residency visa.
For those who meet the residency requirements, there are several additional documents that are typically needed for the marriage to be legal. These include Emirates identification cards for both parties, visa copies, and a pre-marital health screening certificate from a DHA primary healthcare centre. If either party was previously married or widowed, proof of the previous marriage being dissolved or a death certificate is required. Additionally, both parties must give explicit consent to the marriage, and the bride's guardian's consent may also be needed.
It is important to note that marriage procedures can differ based on the religious background of the individuals. For example, Islamic marriages in Dubai follow Sharia law, which usually requires both parties to have valid residency and meet specific religious and legal criteria. On the other hand, non-Muslim couples can marry under different laws that allow for civil marriages for non-Muslim expats and tourists as long as neither party is a Muslim UAE national.
Finally, it is worth mentioning that the marriage laws of an individual's home country may also apply in the UAE. Some countries require their citizens to apply for marriage at their Embassy or Consulate in the UAE, and there are various Embassies/Consulates in Dubai that conduct marriage ceremonies, such as the Indian, Philippines, French, and Czech Republic Consulates.
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Civil marriage service
Dubai has launched a civil marriage service for non-Muslim residents of the emirate, enabling couples to obtain a civil wedding licence in 24 hours. The Federal Decree Law No. 41 of 2022 provides non-Muslim residents the option to follow the laws of their home country or select alternative personal status laws in effect in the UAE. This decree covers matters related to marriage, divorce, inheritance and child custody.
To apply for a civil marriage, couples must submit proof of being single, along with other required documents, as soft copies in PDF format. For documents in a language other than Arabic, certified Arabic translations, stamped by the UAE's Ministry of Justice, are necessary. Documents issued from outside the UAE must be certified by the relevant country's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the UAE embassy in that country, and the UAE's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.
The civil marriage service in Dubai is aligned with Federal Decree Law No. 41 of 2022, which regulates family affairs for non-Muslim residents. It also reflects Dubai's progress in embracing cultural diversity. The Abu Dhabi Civil Marriage Service, established in 2021, allows anyone to marry regardless of nationality or religion, except for Muslim UAE nationals. Tourists can also get married at the Abu Dhabi Civil Family Court.
For Muslim marriages in Dubai, the wedding contract must be registered in a UAE Sharia court or through authorised marriage officers (Mazoons) appointed by the Ministry of Justice. The ministry offers an eMarriage service for couples to book appointments, pay fees, and reserve their intended marriage date online. Muslim expats should note that UAE law prohibits Muslim women from marrying men of another faith unless they convert to Islam. However, Muslim men can marry non-Muslim women.
Non-Muslim expats can marry and register their weddings at their home countries' embassies or consulates. Christian expats can opt for a church wedding in Dubai, registering their marriage at the embassy or consulate. Marriage registration for non-Muslims in Dubai requires the couple to be at least 18 years old and have two witnesses present at the ceremony.
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Wedding venues
Dubai has a wide range of wedding venues to suit different tastes and budgets. From luxurious resorts to stunning beachside locations, you can find the perfect spot for your special day.
If you're looking for a hotel venue, there are many options to choose from. The Marriott Hotel Al Jaddaf offers intimate get-togethers or opulent celebrations for up to 650 standing guests. The Address Hotels + Resorts Dubai also offers a diverse range of venues across eight hotels, while the Sheraton Grand Hotel, located in the heart of Dubai, provides a romantic setting for your wedding. The Burj Al Arab Jumeirah, one of the most recognisable hotels in the world, is known for its grandeur and opulence, offering a royal wedding experience.
For a unique setting, consider the Dubai Polo and Equestrian Club, which offers a country vibe with its stables and fresh green polo fields. You can even arrive in a horse-drawn carriage! The Stealth Yacht in Business Bay Marina is another distinctive option, allowing you to celebrate in the heart of Dubai's marina.
If you're dreaming of a beach wedding, Atlantis, The Palm offers a barefoot beachfront ceremony or a grand ballroom affair. The Sheraton Jumeirah Beach Resort specialises in larger outdoor weddings during the winter, catering to up to 2000 people.
For a truly memorable experience, say your vows in the middle of the desert at the Al Maha Desert Resort, located within the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve. This luxurious resort, the first of its kind in Dubai, offers stunning views, desert activities, and intimate wedding ceremonies for up to 300 guests.
With so many incredible venues to choose from, you're sure to find the perfect place to celebrate your love in Dubai.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, weddings are allowed in Dubai.
With the UAE’s updated Personal Status Law in 2025, non-Muslim couples can opt for a civil marriage separate from Islamic law. This ensures their union is legally and globally recognized. The law also grants gender equality, giving both spouses equal rights and responsibilities.
Muslim marriages in Dubai are conducted by Sharia courts or authorized marriage officers (Mazoons) appointed by the Ministry of Justice. The marriage contract must be registered in a UAE Sharia court for the marriage to be legally valid. The bride and groom must be at least 18 years old and provide proof of being single. A minimum of two Muslim male witnesses are required.
Yes, tourists can get married in Dubai, but the rules differ depending on nationality. Generally, at least one person must hold a valid UAE residency visa.
The process for getting married in Dubai varies depending on the couple's nationalities and religions. It is recommended to consult a marriage lawyer in Dubai to navigate the paperwork and requirements. The couple will need to submit the necessary documents, which may include Emirates ID cards, visas, birth certificates, and proof of being single. They will also need to perform final checks, such as obtaining a marriage license and any other documents required by their respective countries of origin.
