Tim Elliott
Welcome to Lawgical, the UAE’s first and only regular legal podcast. My name’s Tim Elliott, and I’m here with the Managing Partner of the Dubai-based legal firm, Yamalova & Plewka, Ludmila Yamalova. It’s good to see you again.
Ludmila Yamalova
Good to be here with you, Tim.
Tim Elliott
Today, Ludmila, we’ve done a couple of podcasts on civil marriages in the past, and we’re doing another one today. This is big news—civil marriages. If you’re a Muslim in the UAE, you can now get married in a civil ceremony at the Abu Dhabi Civil Family Court.
Ludmila Yamalova
Yes, it is big news. As you succinctly summarized, Muslims in the UAE can now opt for a civil marriage, as long as they are not UAE nationals. They can do this through the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department (ADJD) at the Abu Dhabi Civil Family Court.
A bit of history to contextualize this development: at the end of 2021, Abu Dhabi introduced its own specific law, initially called the “Civil Marriages for Non-Muslim Expats” law. If my memory serves me right, it was Law No. 14 of 2021, enacted in late October or November of that year.
Just a month later, in mid-December 2021, the name of the law changed, along with some provisions. Terms like “non-Muslim” and “expat” were removed, and the law was renamed “Civil Marriages and Its Effects.” The revisions seemed logical because the UAE had recently amended its citizenship law to allow more categories of people to apply for UAE nationality. This meant that limiting the law to expats would have been unfair to UAE nationals who are not Muslims.
While the updated language didn’t explicitly state that Muslims could avail themselves of these services, it also didn’t exclude them as it did before. The law included a broad provision allowing “whoever else” to benefit from these civil marriage services.
Now, after about a year and a half, the ADJD website explicitly states that Muslims can use these services, including civil marriages and wills. So, what we had initially speculated has now been confirmed: Muslims in the UAE, except UAE nationals, can access civil marriage services.
Tim Elliott
So no more lawyers scratching their heads. That must be a relief!
Ludmila Yamalova
Indeed. As lawyers, we always prefer clarity in the law. While the law itself doesn’t explicitly mention Muslims, the ADJD website’s clear instructions confirm it. For nearly 15 years, I’ve seen countless requests from Muslims—non-UAE nationals—wanting civil marriages or wills, only to be told they were subject to the UAE Personal Status Law, based on Sharia principles. This development marks a significant shift.
Tim Elliott
It’s great to see progress. Let’s talk more about the practical aspects of civil marriages—how you apply and what’s required.
Ludmila Yamalova
The process is straightforward and primarily online. Through the ADJD website, you log in with your UAE Pass. Once logged in, you’ll see a service for civil marriages, where you submit your application.
The documents required include identification documents and, optionally, a prenuptial agreement. If either party was previously married, you’ll need to provide proof of divorce or a death certificate.
Previously, Muslim marriages in the UAE required guardian approval and medical tests. Guardian approval, in particular, posed challenges for Muslim women whose guardians—often their fathers—might not reside in the UAE. With civil marriages, these requirements are eliminated, making the process more accessible.
The application fee is AED 300 for a standard process or AED 2,500 for expedited services. Once submitted, the ADJD sends a confirmation and allows you to request your preferred wedding date. The final appointment and ceremony, however, must take place in person at the Abu Dhabi Civil Family Court.
Tim Elliott
So, it’s not entirely virtual yet?
Ludmila Yamalova
Not for now. The physical presence of the couple is required for the ceremony, along with original documents and the confirmation from ADJD. Guests can attend with their identification documents. The process is quick, and you’ll receive your marriage certificate shortly thereafter.
Tim Elliott
And that certificate is issued by the ADJD itself, correct?
Ludmila Yamalova
Yes, it’s an official document issued by the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department. While it’s automatically valid for UAE purposes, I advise having it attested by the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA). This additional step can be useful for international purposes or for added validation within the UAE.
Tim Elliott
That’s a helpful tip. Anything else we should know about the implications of civil marriages under this law?
Ludmila Yamalova
Yes, it’s important to understand that the law is called “Civil Marriages and Its Effects.” This means that any legal matters arising from the marriage—such as divorce, custody, guardianship, or inheritance—are governed by this law.
Previously, these issues often led to confusion, as couples had to navigate multiple jurisdictions based on nationality, religion, or place of residence. Now, couples married under ADJD are subject to one clear legal framework. For example, in divorce cases, guardianship is split 50/50 between parents, regardless of gender—unlike the UAE Personal Status Law, which often gives precedence to fathers.
Tim Elliott
That’s a significant change.
Ludmila Yamalova
It is. For couples with diverse backgrounds, this law eliminates the uncertainty of which jurisdiction applies to their marriage and its effects. It’s a progressive step forward.
Tim Elliott
This has been an enlightening discussion, Ludmila. Thank you for sharing your expertise.
Ludmila Yamalova
Always a pleasure, Tim.
Tim Elliott
That’s another edition of Lawgical, covering civil marriages for Muslims in the UAE. As always, thanks for watching, listening, or both.
Thanks to our legal expert, the Managing Partner at Yamalova & Plewka, Ludmila Yamalova.
Ludmila Yamalova
My pleasure.
Tim Elliott
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