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Getting married in Dubai involves a legal process that can vary depending on your nationality, religion, and whether both partners are residents or tourists. Below is a detailed, step-by-step guide on how to get married in Dubai, covering the most common scenarios:
Step-by-Step Process to Get Married in Dubai
1. Check Eligibility Requirements
Before starting the marriage process, make sure you meet the following basic requirements:
- Age: Both parties must be at least 18 years old.
- Consent: Both individuals must give their free and full consent to the marriage.
- No Close Relatives: You cannot marry close relatives (e.g., siblings, parent-child).
- Marriage Registration: Marriages need to be registered with the relevant authorities for the marriage to be legally recognized.
2. Determine the Type of Marriage
In Dubai, marriage regulations vary depending on whether you’re a UAE resident or tourist, and whether you are married in a civil, religious, or cultural ceremony. Here are the main categories:
- For UAE Nationals: Citizens of the UAE follow Islamic marriage laws.
- For Non-Muslim Expats: Non-Muslims can marry in a civil ceremony or follow the laws of their home country, provided the appropriate documents are submitted. The UAE also now recognizes civil marriages for non-Muslim expatriates.
- For Muslims: Muslims follow Islamic law, and the marriage is typically conducted through religious ceremonies.
3. Register Your Marriage (For Non-Muslim Expats)
If you are a non-Muslim and wish to marry in Dubai, the Dubai Courts have introduced the option for civil marriages for non-Muslims, which has made the process more straightforward. Here’s how you can proceed:
3.1. Marriage in Dubai Courts (Civil Marriage for Non-Muslims)
Dubai Courts now offer a civil marriage option for non-Muslims, which means you can get married under secular law rather than religious law.
Steps:
- Submit an Application: You must submit an application to the Dubai Courts, along with your documents.
- Documents required typically include:
- Passports (originals and copies).
- Residency visas (if applicable).
- Proof of single status: A certificate of no impediment (a document stating that you’re not already married) or a divorce certificate (if previously married).
- Witnesses: Two witnesses are required for the marriage to be valid.
- Attend the Court: After submitting your documents, you will be called to attend a meeting with the court. The court will conduct a brief interview with both parties to verify the details.
- Marriage Certificate: If everything is in order, the court will register your marriage and issue a marriage certificate in English and Arabic. This document will be legally recognized in Dubai and internationally.
3.2. Marriage for Muslims (Islamic Marriage)
If both parties are Muslims, the marriage process will follow Islamic law. The marriage is generally conducted through an Islamic marriage contract (Nikah) performed by an Islamic scholar.
Steps:
- Obtain Approval from the Sharia Court: Both parties must go to the Sharia Court (Islamic court) in Dubai to obtain approval to marry. This process involves submitting the necessary documents, including:
- Passports and Residency visas (if applicable).
- Proof of single status or divorce documents if applicable.
- Witnesses: Two witnesses are required for the marriage.
- Medical Tests: Some couples are required to undergo medical tests (for certain health checks, including screening for communicable diseases like HIV).
- Nikah Ceremony: After obtaining approval from the Sharia Court, a Nikah ceremony can take place, either in the court or through an Imam at a mosque.
- Marriage Certificate: After the Nikah, a marriage certificate will be issued by the court or the mosque. This certificate is recognized by Dubai authorities.
4. Registering the Marriage for Non-Residents or Tourists
For tourists or those visiting Dubai on a short-term visa, the process is similar, but you may need to follow different steps depending on your nationality and the type of visa you hold.
- Non-Muslim Tourists: You can get married at the Dubai Courts or, in some cases, at embassies or consulates, depending on your nationality. Some nationalities may have to get married at their embassy (for example, British nationals can marry at the British Embassy in Dubai).
- Muslim Tourists: For Muslims, the marriage must be performed according to Islamic law, and you can choose to have the ceremony at the Sharia Court or at a mosque. You will need to present the same documentation required for residents.
5. Medical Tests (For UAE Residents)
For UAE residents, marriage is typically contingent on both parties undergoing mandatory medical tests to check for certain diseases. This is a requirement for all marriages in the UAE.
- Where to do the Test: The medical tests are conducted at government-approved medical centers in Dubai.
- What is Tested: The test typically screens for HIV, Hepatitis B, and other communicable diseases.
- Test Results: If you pass the medical exam, the results will be used as part of your marriage application, and you will need to submit them to the relevant authorities (e.g., Dubai Courts or Sharia Court).
6. Apply for Marriage License (For Non-Residents or Tourists)
If you are a tourist or a non-resident, you may be able to marry in Dubai through a local embassy or consulate. Some embassies in Dubai offer marriage registration services, and the marriage certificate issued by them will be legally recognized.
7. Marriage Certificate and Documentation
After the marriage ceremony (whether in a civil, Islamic, or embassy setting), you will receive an official marriage certificate. It’s important to ensure that the certificate is translated into both English and Arabic (if it’s not already in both languages) and is attested for recognition by other countries.
If you intend to use the marriage certificate in your home country or other countries, you may need to have it attested by the relevant authorities, such as the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs or the embassy of your home country.
8. Update Your Documents (For Residents)
After getting married, especially if you are a UAE resident, you may need to update your residency visa, health insurance, and other personal documents to reflect your new marital status.
Summary: Key Steps to Get Married in Dubai
- Confirm Eligibility: Ensure both parties meet the age and consent requirements.
- Determine the Type of Marriage:
- Non-Muslims: Apply for a civil marriage at Dubai Courts.
- Muslims: Go to the Sharia Court for an Islamic marriage (Nikah).
- Medical Test: Complete the required medical tests (for residents).
- Prepare Documents: Submit passports, visas, proof of single status, medical results, and other necessary documents.
- Marriage Ceremony: Attend the marriage ceremony at the relevant authorities (Dubai Courts, Sharia Court, or embassy).
- Marriage Certificate: Receive your marriage certificate in both Arabic and English.
- Update Documents: Update your legal documents (visa, insurance, etc.).
Additional Notes:
- Witnesses: Most marriage processes require at least two witnesses. The witnesses can be friends or family members, or in some cases, the authorities may provide them.
- Divorce or Remarriage: If either party has been previously married, you will need to provide proof of divorce or spouse’s death certificate as part of the documentation.
- Marriage for Expats in Dubai: While the process is fairly straightforward, the exact steps depend on the nationality and the specific authorities involved, so it’s a good idea to consult your embassy for specific guidance.
By following these steps and ensuring you have the right documentation, you can legally get married in Dubai, whether you’re a resident or a tourist.
