Getting married in the UAE involves several legal steps and documentation. While the process is somewhat similar across the emirates, there are slight variations. 

Here’s a detailed guide on how to process marriage in each of the seven emirates: Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah, and Fujairah.

General Requirements Across All Emirates

Before delving into the specifics of each emirate, it’s essential to understand the general requirements for getting married in the UAE:
  1. Age Requirement Both parties must be at least 18 years old.
  2. Consent Both parties must provide their consent.
  3. Medical Examination A pre-marital medical examination is mandatory.
  4. Legal Documents
    • Passports and UAE residence visas of both parties.
    • Birth certificates.
    • Proof of marital status (single, divorced, or widowed). If previously married, a divorce decree or death certificate of the previous spouse is required.
    •  Proof of no objection from the bride’s guardian if the bride is under the legal age or her guardian is not present.
  5. Witnesses Two male Muslim witnesses are required.
  6. Marriage Contract The marriage must be registered with the relevant UAE authorities.

Abu Dhabi

  1. Submit Documents Both parties must submit the required documents to the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department.
  2. Pre-Marital Examination Undergo a pre-marital medical examination at a government-approved health center.
  3. Apply Online Register online through the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department’s website.
  4. Attend the Ceremony Both parties and witnesses must attend the marriage ceremony at the court.

Dubai

  1. Document Verification Verify all documents at the Dubai Courts or Dubai Sharia Courts.
  2. Medical Test Complete the pre-marital medical examination at a Dubai Health Authority (DHA) approved clinic.
  3. Online Application Apply through the Dubai Courts website or app.
  4. Court Ceremony Attend the ceremony at Dubai Courts with two male Muslim witnesses. If non-Muslim, the couple may marry at their respective embassies or churches.

Sharjah

  1. Submit Application Apply in person at the Sharjah Sharia Court.
  2. Medical Examination Complete the medical examination at an authorized health facility.
  3. Court Appearance Both parties and their witnesses must appear before the judge at the Sharia Court for the marriage contract signing.

Ajman

  1. Document Preparation Prepare and verify all necessary documents.
  2. Medical Check-Up Undertake a medical examination at an approved clinic.
  3. Apply at Court Submit the application to Ajman Sharia Court.
  4. Marriage Ceremony Attend the court ceremony with witnesses for the marriage contract.

Umm Al Quwain

  1. Pre-Marital Examination Complete the mandatory health check.
  2. Document Submission Submit all required documents to the Umm Al Quwain Sharia Court.
  3. Witnesses Ensure two male Muslim witnesses are present.
  4. Marriage Ceremony Attend the court for the marriage proceedings.

Ras Al Khaimah

  1. Health Examination Both parties must undergo a pre-marital medical test.
  2. Court Application Submit the necessary documents to the Ras Al Khaimah Sharia Court.
  3. Attend Court Both parties and witnesses must be present for the marriage ceremony at the court.

Fujairah

  1. Medical Test Complete the pre-marital medical examination.
  2. Prepare Documents Gather all required documents and have them verified.
  3. Sharia Court Apply at the Fujairah Sharia Court.
  4. Marriage Ceremony Attend the court ceremony with witnesses.

Additional Notes

Non-Muslim Marriages Non-Muslims can marry in a church or at their embassy/consulate. They must check with their respective religious institutions or diplomatic missions for specific requirements.

Expatriate Marriages Expats must meet the requirements set by their respective embassies and the UAE laws.

Marriage in the UAE is a straightforward process, but it requires attention to legal details and document preparation. Each emirate has slight variations in the process, so it’s crucial to follow the specific steps applicable to your location. Consulting with the relevant authorities or seeking legal advice can help ensure a smooth and hassle-free marriage process.