How to Get Married in the UAE as a Foreigner or Expat

UAE wedding traditions

Arabian weddings start with Al Khoutha, a marriage proposal ceremony, symbolising the union of two families as the groom's father formally requests the bride’s hand. This step towards matrimony is marked by traditional rituals, including the signing of the marriage contract, Al Akhd, and 40 days of preparation and beautification for the bride. During this time, she is pampered and prepared to look her most beautiful, with her body adorned with oils and her hair with flower extracts.

An essential pre-wedding event is the Henna night, a vibrant and joyous occasion for the bride’s female friends and relatives to gather, dance, and feast, while the bride’s hands and feet are decorated with intricate henna designs. This ceremony is not just about beautification but also a rite of passage, welcoming her into married life with blessings and gifts, often including jewellery, dresses, and perfumes, which hold significant value in Emirati culture.

The wedding itself is a lavish affair, characterised by separate celebrations for men and women, allowing for a comfortable and uninhibited enjoyment of traditions such as dancing and showcasing elaborate dresses and jewellery. The groom’s presentation of gifts or Al Zahba to the bride, including silk, jewellery, and perfumes, is a testament to the opulence of these celebrations. The bride’s dress, often extravagant and adorned, symbolises her status as the central figure of the celebration.

The actual marriage ceremony, the nikah, is a solemn and sacred event, officiating the union in the presence of family and religious figures. This is followed by grand receptions, where the separation of genders allows women to celebrate freely without the constraints of hijab, and men to partake in traditional dances and music. The significance of the feast cannot be overstated, with an abundance of traditional Emirati dishes signifying hospitality and generosity.

Every aspect of Emirati weddings, from the pre-wedding rituals to the grandeur of the reception, reflects a deep-rooted respect for tradition, a celebration of familial bonds, and a commitment to starting married life with magnificence and communal support. Despite varying scales of extravagance, the essence of Arabian weddings lies in their ability to blend age-old customs with the personal tastes and financial means of the families involved, creating unforgettable celebrations of love and unity.

How to get married in the UAE as a foreigner

Types of marriages in the UAE

Traditional Emirati weddings

Traditional Emirati wedding ceremonies are grand and elaborate, typically gender-segregated, with separate celebrations for men and women. A typical Emirati wedding involves several stages, including the engagement, the signing of the marriage contract (Nikkah), and the wedding reception. The Nikkah is an important component and is recognised legally and religiously. (The law allows a Muslim man to marry a non-Muslim woman but does not allow a Muslim woman to marry a non-Muslim man without proof of his conversion to Islam). Polygamy is allowed. A Muslim male may have up to four wives, provided he offers them equal sustenance and treatment.

Expatriate weddings

With a significant expatriate population, the UAE hosts a variety of weddings, including Christian, Hindu, Sikh, and other religious ceremonies. Non-Muslim expatriates can marry in the UAE under the laws of their specific religion or nationality. For instance, Christian expatriates can marry in a church and conduct their religious rites, which can then be registered with the relevant civil authorities to be recognised legally.

Civil marriages

Historically, marriage laws in the UAE were predominantly influenced by Islamic law, which applies to Muslim residents. However, as they recognised how multicultural their demography was getting, the UAE implemented laws that also cater to the non-Muslim population.

In early 2021, the UAE announced a reform in its legal system, which included the introduction of civil marriage for non-Muslims in an effort to modernise the legal structures and enhance the country's appeal as a multicultural and tolerant place to live and work. The civil marriage law allows non-Muslims to marry without undergoing religious ceremonies, which is useful for interfaith couples or those who prefer a non-religious legal recognition of their union.

Who can get married in the UAE?

Muslim couples (Sharia law applies)

• Age: Minimum of 18 Hijri years, unless a Sharia judge grants permission.
• Spousal compatibility: Both must be Muslim, or the groom Muslim and the bride from Ahl al-Kitab (e.g. Christian). Muslim women cannot marry non-Muslim men without conversion to Islam.
• Legal contract: Must register the marriage with a Sharia court or authorised marriage officer (mazoon).
• Wedding requirements: Medical screening, attendance of the couple, the bride’s guardian consent, and at least two male Muslim witnesses.
• Additional rules: Bride’s age cannot exceed double that of the groom without judge approval, and both must have legal capacity to marry.

Non‑muslim couples (Civil marriage)

UAE residents and tourists can marry under the Federal Decree-Law No. 41 of 2022 (Civil Personal Status) or under Abu Dhabi’s Law No. 14 of 2021. 

• Age: Must be at least 21 years old across the UAE; in Abu Dhabi, the minimum age is 18.
• Consent and eligibility: Both parties must be legally single, unrelated (no first- or second-degree relations), and give explicit consent before an authentication judge.
• Residency: At least one partner should be a UAE resident (particularly for Dubai’s express 24-hour civil marriage service.)
• Witnesses & procedure: No medical screening required. Both parties should sign the declaration and disclosure forms, and present passports or Emirates IDs. Some emirates require both in-person.
• Registration: The marriage is formalised before an authentication judge and entered into a civil register; fast-track options are available in Abu Dhabi and Dubai.

Legal capacity & restrictions

• Must have the legal capacity to marry, i.e., mentally fit and not already married.
• No prohibited familial relationships (first- or second-degree).
• For Muslim women, marriage to a non-Muslim requires conversion; Muslim conversion is not required for civil marriages among non-Muslims.
• Non-muslim tourists can get married in Abu Dhabi’s court services.

The legal requirements for marriage in the UAE 

Getting married in the UAE as a foreigner depends on your religion, nationality, and place of residence. The UAE offers various legal pathways for marriage, including those under Sharia (Islamic) law and civil law, for non-Muslims. Here’s what you need to know:

General pre-marital requirements

• The bride must approve and consent to the marriage.
• At least one party to the marriage contract (husband, wife, or wife’s guardian) should have a UAE residence visa in Dubai. In other emirates, both the bride and the groom must be UAE residents.
• You must have a positive pre-marital screening certificate from the relevant public healthcare facilities in the UAE. Pre-marital screening is mandatory to prevent the spread of communicable diseases.

Civil marriage in the UAE for non-muslims

Non-muslim couples, whether residents or tourists, can now marry under the UAE Civil Personal Status Law (Federal Decree-Law No. 41 of 2022) or the Abu Dhabi Civil Marriage Law (Law No. 14 of 2021). They can either marry in Abu Dhabi or Dubai. 

Legal requirements

• Both parties must be non-Muslims
• Both must be at least 18 years old in Abu Dhabi, or 21 years old in Dubai
• Both must be legally single (proof of divorce or widowhood is required if applicable)
• The couple must not be closely related (first- or second-degree relatives)
• Both parties must give explicit consent to the marriage.

Documentation & process

• Valid passports or Emirates IDs
• A signed declaration of single status
• Optional: a non-impediment certificate from your embassy
• No medical screening is required
• In Dubai, at least one party must be a resident for civil marriage
• Witnesses may be required depending on the emirate

Some courts, like Abu Dhabi’s Judicial Department, offer 24-hour express marriage services with minimal bureaucracy.

Islamic marriage in the UAE for muslims

Muslim couples (including UAE nationals and residents) must marry under Sharia law, with the process governed by the Dubai Sharia Court or its equivalents in other emirates.

Legal requirements

• Both parties must be Muslims, or the groom must be Muslim and the bride from Ahl Al-Kitaab (People of the Book – e.g., Christian or Jewish)
• The couple must be 18 Hijri years old or obtain judicial approval
• Neither party may be more than double the age of the other, unless a judge approves
• The bride’s guardian (usually her father) must be present, along with two male Muslim witnesses
• A pre-marital medical screening certificate is mandatory
• Both parties must be mentally and legally fit to marry
• The marriage must be registered in a UAE Sharia Court

Additional considerations

• Divorced or widowed brides must present legal proof (e.g., divorce decree or death certificate)
• A ‘No Objection’ letter is required if the bride is Muslim and her father is non-Muslim
• A dowry (mahr) is agreed upon and documented in the marriage contract. It must not be more than AED 20,000 and a deferred dowry of not more than AED 30,000.
• Marital screening tests must be done through one of the medical centres of the following:
  • Emirates Health Services
  • Disease Prevention  and Screening Centers (DPSCs) - Abu Dhabi
  • Dubai Health Authority

Islamic marriages must strictly follow the procedures outlined by the Sharia Courts and are generally only open to UAE residents or GCC nationals.

Special cases 

For all UAE nationals

• The Maximum dowry is AED 50, 000 and AED 20,000 must be paid in advance.
• Males who are members of the Armed Forces or employees of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Police and wish to marry foreigners, need to get special permission from their employers.
• Nationals of Ajman must get the approval of the Sharia Court of Ajman if they intend to marry a woman not from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries.
• An Emirati woman (one whose nationality was not gained by dependency) wishing to marry a foreign man:
  • Should get consent from her parents/guardian
  • Should get a permit from her employer if she is working in the Armed Forces.
  • Should not be marrying a stateless man.
  • Must be marrying a legitimate resident of the UAE
  • Must be marrying a man who has obtained a certificate of good conduct from the UAE.

For GCC nationals and citizens of other Islamic countries

Citizens of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Bahrain intending to marry a foreigner must get the approval of their respective countries. A Yemeni woman intending to marry a foreign national must get consent from her country.

Documents required to get married in the UAE 

Below is a breakdown of the key document requirements.

General document requirements

• Valid passports (for both parties)
• Emirates ID (if resident)
• Proof of marital status (e.g., single status certificate, divorce certificate, or death certificate for widowed individuals)
• Pre-marital medical screening certificate (mandatory for Islamic marriages; not required for civil marriages)
• A signed marriage application form from the respective court

All documents must be current and legally valid in your country of issuance.

Civil marriage requirements

• A completed and signed marriage application form.
• A copy of both your international passports or Emirates ID.
• Proof of singlehood (divorce or death certificates).
• Pre-nuptial agreement (optional).

Court-specific requirements

Abu Dhabi

• No medical screening required
• Online application and 24-hour express service available

Dubai

• Application must be made in person (or through a legal representative)
• Witnesses may be requested depending on the court

Other Emirates

• Further documentation could be requested by the local Sharia Court (e.g., family book for Emiratis)

Embassy-specific requirements

Your country’s embassy or consulate may also require additional documents for you to marry abroad or for the marriage to be recognised at home. These may include:

• A Certificate of No Impediment to Marriage
• Affidavits confirming free-to-marry status
• Consular appointment for document attestation

Always check with your embassy in the UAE before proceeding.

Certified translation & Legalisation

Any document not originally in Arabic must be translated by a certified translator in the UAE and legalised or carry an attestation from the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA).

At Translayte, we offer certified translation services in the UAE that are recognized by courts throughout the country. Whether you're translating from English, Spanish, Italian, French, or another language, we ensure your documents meet local legal requirements.

Note: If you're submitting foreign-issued certificates (e.g, birth certificate), they must also be legalised in their country of origin before being recognised in the UAE.

How to get married in the UAE

Special rules for marrying an Emirati citizen

Here’s what you should know about marrying an Emirati citizen:

Key requirements & permissions

• Parental/guardian consent: Emirati brides must obtain official consent from their father or, if he is unavailable, the closest male guardian.
   
• Official approval: Foreign spouses must secure authorisation from the Sharia Court, their employer (if employed by the UAE armed forces, police, or Ministry of Foreign Affairs), and relevant family members.
   
• Proof of status: Both parties must provide supporting documents: passports, Emirates IDs, birth certificates, valid residency or visa permits, all legalised or attested.
   
• Health check: A complete premarital medical screening report is mandatory for both spouses.

Required documentation

• Original passports and Emirates IDs for both parties
• Birth certificates
• Single status certificate or proof of divorce/widowment
• Medical screening certificate issued by an approved UAE public healthcare provider.
• Proof of guardianship or consent from the Emirati spouse’s father or legal guardian.
• Approvals from relevant authorities, if applicable (e.g. Ministry of Foreign Affairs permission, employer clearance).
• Dowry (mahr) declaration, if customary or requested.

Legal & cultural context

• This process respects both Islamic customs and Emirati family traditions, so cultural sensitivity and patience are essential.
• Foreign spouses should be prepared for extended timelines, since approval from multiple stakeholders can add weeks or even months.
• Once approved, the marriage is registered by the Sharia Court and entered into the UAE civil registry, fully valid in the UAE and internationally recognised with proper legalisation.

Can tourists get married in the UAE? 

Yes, tourists can legally get married in the UAE, but only under specific conditions and in certain emirates. 

Recent legal reforms in Abu Dhabi have made it possible for non-residents and tourists to have a civil marriage ceremony without requiring a UAE residency permit. This makes Abu Dhabi the most accessible emirate for tourists looking to get married during their stay.

In contrast, Dubai’s civil marriage system currently applies only to non-Muslim residents. If you’re on a visit visa in Dubai, you will not be eligible to marry through the Dubai Courts unless at least one partner holds a UAE residence visa. Additionally, Dubai typically requires both parties to be at least 21 years old, and the marriage application must be submitted in person along with original ID documents and proof of being single.

Overall, Abu Dhabi is the most viable option for tourists wishing to marry in the UAE. If you’re visiting on a short stay and plan to get married, it’s important to prepare all necessary paperwork in advance. That includes translated and attested documents if they’re not originally in Arabic.

Translayte can help ensure your documents meet UAE legal standards by providing fast, accurate certified translations and guidance on document legalisation, so your marriage process goes smoothly from start to finish.

Requirements for tourists to marry in Abu Dhabi

• Both partners must be non-Muslim
• Both must be at least 18 years old
• Parties must not be closely related
• Each person must provide a valid passport
• Each person must present proof of single status  (e.g., certificate of no impediment, divorce, or death certificate)
• Medical screening is generally not required, but some embassies may request it

Your home country’s embassy may require additional documentation. The process is relatively quick, and many couples can finalise their civil marriage within 24 to 48 hours of submitting their application.

How to get married in the UAE

So, we’ve looked at all we need to put in place before marrying in The UAE. Now, let’s simplify the entire process for you into a few steps. 

Get a residence visa

In Dubai, and broadly across the UAE, at least one of you must hold a valid residency visa. Foreigners on a tourist or visit visa generally cannot legally marry in the UAE unless one of them is a resident. If you are both on tourist or visit visas and looking to have a destination wedding in the UAE, one of you must get a residency visa. 

Submit a marriage application

The next step to getting married in the UAE is to put in a marriage application. If you are submitting an application for a civil marriage, you can do this through the ADJD website or through one of the ADJD typing centres based in Abu Dhabi. You can apply for the regular service for AED 300, and your application will be processed within 10 working days. You will then be given a date and time for your wedding ceremony, based on the next available court date. 

You can also apply for the express service if you are in a hurry for AED 2,500, and your application will be processed in 1 working day. You can then choose the specific time and date for the marriage ceremony in line with the Court’s opening hours. 

Can a foreigner get married in the UAE?

Plan your ceremony

After you have finished with all the major paperwork and payments, you can now get into the real fun. Let’s give you a few tips on how to plan the ceremony. 

• Set a budget: Choose your type of ceremony and determine your budget. Determining your budget will guide many of your decisions, from the venue to the number of guests and the style of the event. Make sure to account for any potential costs like the venue, attire, officiant fees, decorations, and any additional services you might want.
   
• Select a venue: The venue sets the tone for your wedding. When choosing a venue, consider its location, capacity, availability, cost, and the logistics of getting married there (some venues have their own rules about catering, decoration, and music).
   
• Choose a date and time: When selecting your wedding date, consider factors like the weather, special dates for you and your partner, and the availability of your desired venue and key vendors. Saturdays are a popular choice for weddings, but a weekday wedding might offer more flexibility and cost savings.
   
• Hire vendors: Depending on the complexity of your ceremony, you may need to hire various vendors, such as:
  
  • Wedding planner: This is especially helpful if you're organising a destination wedding or need help with local customs and logistics.
     
  • A Photographer/Videographer: Book early, as the best ones often have their schedules filled months in advance.
     
  • Hair and makeup artists: To ensure you look your best, consider hiring professionals who can provide hair and makeup services on your wedding day.
     
  • Music: Whether you want live music, a DJ, or a simple playlist, plan how music will be integrated into your ceremony.
     
  • A florist: For bouquets, boutonnieres, and any venue decorations.
     
  • A caterer: If your venue doesn’t provide food, you’ll need to hire a caterer.
     
• Plan the ceremony details: Decide if you want to write your vows or stick with the traditional ones. Select your wedding party, including bridesmaids, groomsmen, ring-bearers, and flower girls. Don’t forget to decide on how you want the ceremony to unfold, from start to finish.
   
• Have a dress rehearsal: A rehearsal is typically held the day before the wedding, especially for complex ceremonies or large wedding parties. This helps ensure everyone knows their roles and the event runs smoothly.
   
• Personalise your ceremony: Incorporate elements that reflect your personalities and relationships. This could include unique music choices, a special reading, or a ritual that has personal significance.

Enjoy your wedding ceremony

If you are getting married at the court, you will get a confirmation of your marriage ceremony date and time by email. 

On the day of the ceremony, enter the ADJD main court building through Gate 5 and present the ceremony confirmation proof to the entrance security personnel. You should then visit the Abu Dhabi Civil Marriage Section, where you will be required to provide a physical copy of your ID documents (either an Emirates ID or a Passport). After that, you will need to confirm the details on the marriage certificate draft, and then you will be taken to the ceremony room.

A marriage notary will be present during the ceremony, and the vows will be read to you in a pre-recorded voiceover, available in 7 different languages. If you need a language other than English, you should inform the Court in advance of the ceremony so they can make the necessary arrangements. 

You are allowed to bring as many guests as you like, but you will have no need for witnesses since the notary public officer acts as a witness to the ceremony. You can also bring a photographer and videographer, and you can choose to exchange rings and your own vows. At the end of the ceremony, you will sign the marriage certificate, and it will be issued to you.

Post-marriage: How to register & use your marriage certificate

Once your marriage is legally concluded in the UAE, the next step is to ensure that your marriage certificate is registered, translated, and, if necessary, legalised for international use.

After the ceremony, the UAE authorities will issue an official marriage certificate in Arabic. If you plan to use this certificate outside the UAE (for purposes like immigration, spousal sponsorship, or legal name changes), it must be translated into the official language of the destination country. 

This translation must be done by a certified translator and often accompanied by legalisation or attestation procedures, depending on your destination country’s requirements.

In most cases, the following steps apply:

1. Get the original Arabic marriage certificate attested by the UAE Ministry of Justice and Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA).
    
2. Translate the attested document into the required language using a certified translation service, such as Translayte.
    
3. Have the translated document legalised by the relevant embassy or consulate of the country where it will be used.
    

If you’re moving abroad or need to register your marriage in another country, the certificate and translations must meet that country’s official standards. Translayte can help streamline this process by offering fast, accurate translations and assisting with the legalisation or attestation of your documents, so your marriage is recognised wherever life takes you.