Tim Elliott
Welcome to Lawgical, the UAE’s first and still the only regular legal podcast. My name’s Tim Elliott. Lawgical is brought to you by the Dubai-based legal firm HPL Yamalova & Plewka. As always, I’m with the managing partner Ludmila Yamalova. It’s always good to see you.
Ludmila Yamalova
And it’s always great to hear your voice and to see you too, Tim.
Tim Elliott
This time, Ludmila, we’re considering the steps required to convert to Islam here in the Emirates. There are a number of ways to do it, and I guess we should begin by stating that if you’re a non-Muslim, male or female, it is possible.
Ludmila Yamalova
Yes, indeed. You can convert in the UAE irrespective of whether you’re a man or a woman, and you can do it through a number of official channels within the country. It is possible, and many people do it. Its application might actually be a lot broader than some may realize.
This comes up particularly because, in the UAE, for a non-Muslim man to marry a Muslim woman, the man must convert. This is based on a recent request we received, and we thought it would be important to highlight the process, explain how it works, and educate the general public. It happens more often than people might think.
This is also significant because, in many other countries, the religion of the two people involved doesn’t matter for a marriage to be valid. But in the UAE, if a woman is Muslim, her husband must officially convert, regardless of her nationality, origin, or level of devotion, as long as she is registered as a Muslim with the UAE authorities.
Tim Elliott
So, how do you do it?
Ludmila Yamalova
The process we’re discussing is specific to the UAE. While it’s most relevant to residents, you don’t necessarily have to be a resident to convert here. There are two main ways to do it:
- Through the Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department.
- Through the Ministry of Justice (MOJ).
The process is similar for both, but converting through the Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department tends to be quicker and more straightforward. Both options are free.
Once the conversion is complete, it’s recommended to update your immigration records with the UAE authorities to officially modify your religion, especially if the goal is to marry a Muslim woman.
Tim Elliott
What are the specifics of the process?
Ludmila Yamalova
If you go through the Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department, the process is entirely online. This shift to online services is one of the upsides of the pandemic—government services in the UAE have become extremely efficient.
Here’s how it works:
- You can either apply online through their website or call their hotline at 800-600.
- You’ll need to submit documents such as your Emirates ID, passport copy, and two photos. Women must wear a headscarf in the photos.
- You’ll be asked to recite the Shahadatain, the Islamic proclamation of faith, affirming that there is only one God and that Prophet Muhammad is His messenger.
- Once the process is complete, your conversion certificate will be emailed to you.
Alternatively, you can apply through the Ministry of Justice. The process is similar but includes additional steps:
- Create an account on the MOJ website using your UAE Pass.
- Fill out the required information and provide contact details for witnesses. While the website doesn’t specify that witnesses must be men, it’s better to have male witnesses.
- Submit documents and schedule an interview with a judge, which may be conducted online or in person.
- During the interview, you’ll recite the Islamic proclamation.
- After approval, the certificate will be issued and notarized automatically.
Tim Elliott
How does the process differ if someone is converting to Islam specifically for marriage?
Ludmila Yamalova
If you’re converting to Islam to marry a Muslim, you’ll need to take additional courses. These courses, often offered by the Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department, cover the basics of Islam and the role of a spouse in Islam.
The courses take about four hours over two days. From start to finish, the entire process—including the application, conversion, and courses—can be completed in about a week.
Tim Elliott
What if someone is converting outside the UAE?
Ludmila Yamalova
If you’re converting abroad, you’ll need a conversion certificate that can be legally attested for use in the UAE. The certificate must be issued by an official authority, not just a mosque. It should be notarized and legalized to meet UAE standards.
Additionally, if you’ve taken conversion courses abroad, you’ll need a certificate proving you’ve completed them. The attestation process varies by country, so it’s crucial to ensure your documents meet UAE requirements.
Tim Elliott
That’s another episode of Lawgical, this time discussing converting to Islam here in the UAE. As ever, our legal expert was Ludmila Yamalova, Managing Partner at HPL Yamalova & Plewka. Thank you, Ludmila.
Ludmila Yamalova
Thank you, Tim. Always a pleasure.
Tim Elliott
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