Dubai has made an important move for non-Muslim couples who want to marry in the emirate. The newly launched Dubai Courts civil marriage service allows couples to obtain a marriage license within 24 hours. This new system is faster, less bureaucratic, and more convenient than previous ones. According to the Federal Decree Law No. 41 of 2022, non-Muslim residents have an option to choose their national laws or other personal status laws in the UAE related to marriage, divorce, succession, and child custody among others. The law became effective on February 1, 2023 and is part of UAE’s initiative on creating a flexible and advanced justice system for resolving personal status disputes.
Understanding the New Dubai Civil Marriage Service
The 24-hour marriage service is among the most significant steps taken by Dubai in its endeavor to accommodate its highly diverse international community. In the past, there were hardly any choices for Dubai’s non-Muslim couples. They could either get married through a religious ceremony at their home embassy or consulate, or go through a more cumbersome legal process of having a civil marriage contract done. This complexity has been done away with by introducing this new system of civil marriage service, which is much improved in terms of speed and efficiency.
Who is Eligible for Dubai s 24-Hour Civil Marriage Service?
While the expedited time frame of is unquestionably attractive, but it s crucial to know the eligibility criteria:
Non-Muslim Requirement:This service is available only for non-Muslim couples. Muslim couples in Dubai have to follow sharia law for Islamic marriage procedures.
Dubai Residency:At least one of partner to the marriage must be a resident of Dubai. This residency requirement establishes a local connection for the marriage.
Minimum Age:Both parties to the marriage must have completed the age of 21 years.
Additional Requirements:
To qualify for a 24-hour marriage service, the following conditions must be met by the parties:
Proof of Single Status: The applicants are expected to submit a validated certificate showing their single status from an embassy of their country of origin.
Physical Presence or Authorized Representative: It is required that both parties should either be physically available or have an attorney with legal authority.
Document Format: All original identification and other electronic documents must be in PDF format
ID Requirements: Applicants during the application process are required to bring along their Emirates ID, original passport and a copy of Dubai residency visa (if applicable).
Document Translation and Certification: Other than Arabic all documents should be translated into Arabic by UAE Ministry of Justice recognized institutions, fully certified by the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.
The 24-Hour Marriage Process: A Step-by-Step Guide
Here s a step-by-step guide on how to get married in Dubai within 24 hours:
Step into a Service Center: The first step entails attending one of the service centers of Dubai Courts specified for this purpose.
Complete the Digital Application: In the service center, you will be required to fill out a digital application that captures important information about both partners.
Ratification of Consent: A court official assigned to review the consent online so as to ensure that there is a transparently recorded agreement on proceeding with the marriage.
Electronic Signatures and Approval: Upon finalizing the application and confirming consent, both parties append their electronic signatures on it; thereafter, it goes before a judge for approval.
Judge’s Review and Approval: The judge scrutinizes all aspects of an application with an aim of establishing its conformity to all legal prerequisites including applicant’s qualifications and completeness of documents submitted therein.
Issuance of Marriage Contract: Once approved by the judge, marriage contract is officially documented and electronically signed thereby executed in presence of two witnesses who should also sign electronically.
Notification and Collection: The couple will receive the official document via email and text message once the marriage contract is ready. They can then pick up the official document from the service center.
Additional Considerations:
Marriage Fee: The service fee of 220 AED, excluding the fee of the Marriage Official, is to be paid at the time of the issuance of the marriage certificate.
Evidence of Document Proof: It is always better to keep ready the originals of your passport and Emirates ID. If you are divorced, you have to submit proof like a divorce decree. This is to make sure all parties involved in a marriage are legally eligible to get married.
Pre-marital Screening: Under the present Dubai laws, a pre-marital health screening has not yet been mandated for civil marriages, although some countries may stipulate such screening to recognize the marriage. Check with your home embassy or consulate for any additional requisites.
Advantages of Dubai s 24-Hour Marriage Service
The new 24-hour marriage service for couples seeking marriage in Dubai has advantages:
Speed and Convenience: The streamlined process reduces the waiting time substantially compared to the traditional methods.
Cost-Effective: Compared to the likely large financial expenditure over a religious ceremony or long legal process, this service offers cost savings.
Accessibility: The convenience of applicants lies within reach, as the service centers are well-located.
Government Recognition: The Dubai Courts marriage contract is a legally binding document within the UAE.
Easy and Smooth Way of Making a Dubai Civil Marriage: Get It with Dubai Court Marriage
Dubai Court Marriage is there to help in such cases where one may find the 24-hour civil marriage a little confusing due to legal requirements and paperwork. Our marriage lawyers are always there to help you through the entire marriage process and ensure everything runs smoothly. We will guide you through all the necessary steps, making sure that your application is duly filled and all the required rules are in place. Also, we can take care of translating and certifying any necessary documents, thus saving you time and effort you would put on this task. For your legal worries about celebrations of love in Dubai, just go for Dubai Court Marriage as you focus on bonding and getting ready for that day; make it even more special by having our experts create an unforgettable setting for starting married life in UAE’s biggest city – contact us now!