Couples in the UAE who want to get married under the Civil law can do so under the Abu Dhabi Civil Family Court. This falls under the Abu Dhabi Courts, which is otherwise known as Abu Dhabi Judicial Department or ADJD.

Specifically, the Abu Dhabi Court marriage service is available to all UAE residents, not only those residing in Abu Dhabi.

Civil marriage in Abu Dhabi – Process

The marriage application is done through the ADJD portal, by logging-in via the UAE Pass. Once the Civil Marriage Application has been filled out, the couple must then submit the following documents:

1. Passport copies
2. Emirates ID copies
3. In case of a previous marriage – the partner must show evidence of the dissolution of that marriage
4. Also, couples who want a prenuptial agreement, they can submit it as a part of the marriage application

Civil marriage in Abu Dhabi – Payment

The standard fee for Abu Dhabi Court marriage in AED 300
There is also an Express Application option, where the couple can fast-track track their marriage application with a payment of AED 2,500

Civil Marriage in Abu Dhabi – Court Marriage Day

On the day of the Civil Marriage in Abu Dhabi, the bride and groom must present the following documents at the ADJD’s reception:

1. A completed and signed Civil Marriage Application
2. ADJD’s confirmation regarding the Civil marriage appointment
3. Passport and/or
4. Emirates ID

Note – while the couple can choose the date to get married, the final date and time for the Abu Dhabi Court marriage will be confirmed by ADJD.

Guests are permitted during the Civil marriage ceremony in Abu Dhabi however, they must provide identification documents.

This process is governed by Abu Dhabi Law No.14 of 2021 Concerning Personal Status for non-Muslim Foreigners.

Civil Will Abu Dhabi – Process
Those who wish to register Civil Wills in UAE can do so via the Abu Dhabi Civil Family Court. It is a part of the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department or ADJD.

The service is available on the ADJD portal, through the UAE Pass under the Abu Dhabi Family Court e-Services. The application should be submitted under the “Request to Authenticate a Civil Will.”

Civil Will Abu Dhabi – Documents & ADJD Template
Along with draft Will and Passport copy and/or Emirates ID. There is a standardized ADJD Will template provided in both Arabic and English.

Although, applications may use their own draft, which should be legally translated to Arabic. After submission of the application, the ADJD will update regarding the registration fee and appointment.

During the appointment, applicants will have to verify their identity and personal details as well as the details of their Civil Will. Upon approval, ADJD will register and stamp the Civil Will. The standard fee to register one Civil Will is AED 950.

This is line with Law No. 14 of 2021 Concerning Civil Marriages and it’s Effects in Abu Dhabi

Finding a Lawyer in Dubai

Dubai within a short time has proved to become one of the primary destinations in the world to receive top-notch services. And today, the city offers some of the best legal services in the country. Whether you are looking to get advice on employment law, criminal law, real estate law or commercial law – Dubai has some of the best lawyers for you to choose from.

However, with plenty of options available, it can also become overwhelming for first-time customers to decide on where to begin. To make things easier, we have created a step by step guide that can help you in finding the best lawyer in Dubai who can cater to your needs, your way.

Step 1 – How to find a lawyer in Dubai – Where to begin?
Number 1 rule – You should not necessarily wait to look for a lawyer in Dubai until you have a problem. Ideally you should start seeking for reliable lawyers in Dubai even before the problem arises. Or even to avoid the problem, all together.

Step 2 – How to find a lawyer in Dubai – Factors to consider when choosing a Dubai law firm
You need to identity the nature of your legal matter. For example is it about:

• Divorce in Dubai,
• Employment law,
• Corporate law in Dubai or
• Estate law in UAE

Some of the other factors to consider are:

• The consultation fee to book a legal service in UAE,
• Selecting legal consultancy in Dubai that is easy to commute,
• Language preferences. Example – whether you prefer a English lawyer, Russian lawyer or Ukrainian lawyer
• Lawyer reputation is also crucial to narrowing down the top lawyers in Dubai.

Step 3 – How to find a lawyer in Dubai – Where do you look for a lawyer in Dubai?
Recommendations and referrals should be the starting point when you start looking for a lawyer in Dubai. Today, searching on internet for best lawyers in Dubai can also help you find reliable and trustworthy legal consultations via online reviews. Social media has also become a primary tool. Not to mention, the quality of content that is shared, proving free legal advice online.

Step 4 – How to find a lawyer in Dubai – Factors to consider when hiring a lawyer in Dubai
Apart from the previously mentioned factors, other factors that determine a quality of lawyer include:

• Lawyers knowledge about the UAE laws
• Communicate with people is simple.
• Lawyer’s responsiveness when addressing legal issues
• Practical approach given to your legal problem.

Step 5 – How to find a lawyer in Dubai – Red flags to know before hiring a lawyer in Dubai
Keep away from lawyers in Dubai who gives you guarantees! If it sounds too good to be true it probably is. Beware of lawyers in Dubai who call themselves the best!

Overview on Sick Leave in UAE

In this article, we will be discussing about how to calculate sick leave in UAE as per the Labour Law. At a high level, all employees working in a private sector are entitled to a maximum of 90 days sick leave in UAE. 

Eligibly to Take Sick Leave in UAE

According to the UAE Labour Law, employees are given the right to take sick leave once they have completed the probation period as per the contract in a private company.

Calculating Sick Leave in UAE

Once the probation period is complete, employees are entitled to take a maximum of 90 days sick leave in UAE, which can be consecutive or intermittent, per year.

Those 90 days sick leave in UAE can be calculated as follows:

• The first 15 days of sick leave in UAE – are compensated at FULL pay, or 100% of the monthly salary.
• The following 30 days of sick leave in UAE – are at half pay or 50% of the monthly salary.
• And the remaining 45 days – are without pay.
  
  

Sick Leave Beyond 90 Days

In the event the employee continues to be sick, beyond the 90 days, the company can terminate their employment, as long as all the relevant financial entitlements are paid.

This is in line with Article 31 of the UAE Labour Law, which is Federal Decree Law No. 33 of 2021. 

Rent Valuation Certificate

Re-evaluation of Dubai rental property value, by landlords, can be done through the Dubai Land Department. Landlords who believe that the RERA calculator does not accurately reflect the rental value of their Dubai properties can benefit from this service.

In such cases, landlords can request the Land Department to value their specific Dubai property, factoring in the individual features and specifications. 

This service can be accessed through:

• The Dubai Land Department’s official website or,
• Through the Dubai REST app.

Under the Services menu, there is an option to Request Valuation of Property Lease.

Some of the required documents include:

1. Details and photos of the specific property, 
2. As well as a payment of AED 2,000 per unit.

Based on the submitted documents, the Land Department may issue the Rental Valuation Certificate, reflecting the current market value of that property in Dubai. This Certificate then becomes an official reference, which can be used by landlords to raise Dubai rent or in case of dispute. 

The principle of property re-evaluation is based on Dubai Law No. 33 of 2008, regarding Dubai rental laws. And, specifically, Article 9.2, which sets out criteria, such as the “overall economic situation in the Emirate” and the “average rent of similar property” in determining market value of the property. 

This principle is also well settled in the Dubai Rent Dispute Center or RDC, which has consistently authorized landlords to increase rent beyond the RERA calculator, on the basis of the Dubai Rental Valuation Certificate.  

Increasing Rent on Basis of Rental Valuation Certificate

Landlords can increase the rent in Dubai, above the RERA Calculator, in cases where they have obtained a Property Valuation Certificate, issued by the Dubai Land Department.

This Certificate, in turn, can be issued on the basis of Landlord’s proof that the current market value of their Dubai property is above that reflected in the RERA Calculator. 

Notably, in all cases landlords can only increase rent in Dubai, in line with the allowed percentage of rental increase. Which ranges from 5% to a maximum of 20%. As per Dubai Decree No. 43 of 2013 on Dubai Rent Increase, and Article 1, in particular.

Noteworthy, for the landlord to increase rent, using the Property Valuation Certificate, still requires: 1) the proper legal notice and 2) tenant’s approval. 

In the event the tenant does not agree to the new property value, the Landlord must file a case with the Dubai Rental Dispute Center or RDC, to confirm the new rent in Dubai, on the basis of the Property Valuation Certificate.

This principle was re-asserted by RDC recently, in April of 2023. 

•  In that case, the landlord wished to increase rent in Dubai by AED 25,000, from AED 175,000 to AED 200,000, on the basis of the Rental Valuation Certificate.
• This would have been 14.3% increase.
• The RDC allowed for the Dubai rent increase, but limited it to 5% or AED 8,750.00
• This was on the basis that the current Dubai rent of the property was 14% less than the Rental Valuation Certificate, which allows for a maximum of 5% increase.
• In its judgment, RDC relied on: 1) the Dubai Decree No. 43 of 2013 on Dubai Rent Increase, as well as 2) Law No. 33 of 2008, otherwise known as Dubai Rental Law. 

Occupational illnesses or injuries at work in UAE must be compensated by the employer. 

• In other words, if the injuries at work in UAE is a direct result of one’s work, then the employer is obligated to pay for the treatment.
• The treatment could be either in government or private health facilities. 
• And the company must pay treatment costs, until either the worker recovers or is deemed disabled. 
• Importantly, for injuries at work in UAE the treatment also includes rehabilitation. 
• Furthermore, the company is obligated to pay for any moving expenses if required for treatment. 
• However, the worker is not entitled to compensation for treatment in the event the injury was the result of one’s own negligent actions. 

This is in accordance with the U.A.E. Employment Law No. 33 of 2021, and Articles 37 and 38, specifically. As well as Article 23 of the Cabinet Resolution No. 1 of 2022.   

A dedicated digital and virtual assets UAE freezone has been introduced. It is based in the Emirate of Ras Al Khaimah. And it is called the Digital Assets Oasis, established under the Ras Al Khaimah Law No. 2 of 2023.

It is reported to be the world’s first and only crypto freezone, set up exclusively to host digital and virtual asset companies.

Which are operating in new and emerging sectors, such as the:

1. Metaverse,
2. Blockchain,
3. Utility tokens,
4. Virtual asset wallets,
5. NFTs, and
6. Other Web3-related businesses.

The crypto UAE Freezone, ie, the Digital Assets Oasis has been granted financial, administrative, and legislative independence. 

And it will be affiliated with the newly created Department of the Future. Which was established by virtue of RAK Law No. 1 of 2023.

RAK Digital Assets Oasis will open for applications in the second quarter of 2023.

As per the UAE laws, discrimination is prohibited and penalized by a number of specific laws.

The main UAE law on anti-discrimination is the Federal Decree Law No. 2 of 2015, on Combating Discrimination and Hatred, which came into effect in August 2015. 

The law is rather comprehensive, covering blasphemy, hate speech, and all forms of discrimination. 

The penalties for violating this UAE law can be severe and include:

1. Prison of not less than 5 years, and/or
2. Monetary penalty of not less than AED 500,000.

Additionally, discrimination is also expressly forbidden and penalized in the employment context, pursuant to the UAE Labor Law, No. 33 of 2021, along with its Executive Regulations. Which include expressed provisions on Equality and Non-Discrimination. 

For example, under Article 4 of the UAE Labour Law, it is forbidden to have discrimination in the workplace on the basis of :

1. Ethnicity,
2. Race,
3. Sex,
4. Religion,
5. National origin,
6. Social status or
7. Any disability.

It is also forbidden to discriminate amongst people in the same job.

Furthermore, the UAE Labour Law provides expressed prohibition against any form of discrimination against working women, including on the basis of pay-scale.  

Finally, there are multiple UAE laws regarding non-discrimination of people of determination. One such law is the UAE Federal Law No. 29 of 2006 on the Rights of People of Determination. As well as a separate Dubai Law No. 3 of 2022 on the Rights of People with Disabilities in Dubai.

Dubai residents can now submit feedback, suggestions and complaints against government departments and/or officials through a dedicated service.

04 Platform – is the name of the feedback service platform that was recently launched by the Dubai government, specifically, HH Sheikh Hamdan. 

• More than 40 government entities are already registered on the Dubai government feedback service platform.
• The Dubai government feedback service platform allows residents to file complaints efficiently, in 3 steps.
• The complaint will then be reviewed by the relevant government officials and addressed accordingly. 

The objective of the 04 Platform is to connect Dubai Government and its customers, to allow the Government to make informed decisions based on customers’ input. 

The Dubai government feedback service platform can be accessed on the website, by typing https://04.gov.ae/. 

The service is also accessible via WhatsApp for Business, where residents can message directly to provide their feedback.  

UAE Ramadan – Working Hours 

The UAE Ramadan working hours must be reduced by 2 hours a day.

This applies, equally, to the: 1) private sector, 2) public sector and 3) schools.

And for everyone – those who fast, as well as those who do not.

The requirement to reduce working hours during Ramadan in UAE for the private sector is set out in Article 15(2) of the Cabinet Decision No. 1 of 2022 re: Implementing Regulations of the UAE Labor Law.

Furthermore, with regards to the public sector, on Fridays, federal employees will work remotely – 70% of their working hours.

Similarly, schools in the UAE have the option of allowing students and staff to attend school from home on Fridays, during the whole month of Ramadan.

UAE Ramadan – Dubai Restaurants & Outdoor Dining

Ramadan, as we all know, is a month of fasting for Muslims. 

And the UAE observes and encourages a fasting-friendly environment. 

As such, for the non-fasting population, it is sensible to avoid eating or drinking publicly, out of respect for those who are fasting. 

Over the recent years, the UAE, as an increasingly multicultural society, has relaxed many of its previously stringent Ramadan protocols. 

In Dubai, in 2021, the Department of Economic Development issued a Circular, stating that:

• Food outlets were no longer required to serve food out of public view, during fasting hours.
• And that screens and curtains, particularly, in malls, would no longer be required. 
• Nor would the Dubai restaurants be required to obtain a permit for serving food during fasting hours.

This Circular replaced previous circulars, which had required restaurants to block dining areas from the sight of those who were fasting. As such, as we enter Ramadan 2023, in Dubai:

• Dubai Restaurants, cafes and bars can remain open and serve food publicly.
• Supermarkets, pharmacies, malls and businesses can also remain open throughout the day.
• Though live music will most likely be less popular during this time.