Marriage between a Muslim couple in the UAE is concluded under the Sharia Law provisions. The Sharia provisions are applicable to all Muslim couples regardless of their nationality.

1. Both the bride and groom must be Muslims.
2. The law also permits a Muslim man to marry a non-Muslim woman, belonging from the People of the Book or the Ahl- Al-Kitaab. However, a Muslim woman is forbidden to marry a non-Muslim man. In such a scenario, the groom’s proof of conversion to Islam is mandatory.
3. UAE marriage laws permit polygamy. A Muslim male may have four wives, provided he offers equal sustenance and treatment to all.

Muslim expats who wish to get married in the UAE must meet the following requirements:

1. The groom and bride must be at least 18 years old. In case one or both of them do not meet the legal age for marriage in the UAE, special approval from the judge is required.
2. A spouse must not be twice the age of the other. In the event that they are, a judge’s approval must be sought.
3. The couple must be in physical attendance.
4. The bride’s father or his designated proxy (Wali) must be in attendance.
5. Two Muslim male witnesses must be present with valid Emirates ID.
6. A Muslim woman getting married in the UAE needs her legal guardian’s consent.
7. In case the father of the bride isn’t alive, her next closest male guardian (brother or uncle from father side) must be present.
8. Widowed or divorced applicants must have proof of their marital status attested by international cooperation if issued outside the UAE.
9. If a Muslim bride has a non-Muslim father, she must obtain a ‘No Objection Certificate’ from her consulate or embassy in the UAE.
10. All parties must have an active UAE Pass
11. The marriage contract must be registered in a UAE Sharia court for the wedlock to be legally valid.

At least one party involved in the marriage contract (either the groom, bride, or bride’s guardian) must hold a valid UAE residence visa.

For expats to be eligible to get married in Abu Dhabi/Dubai, it’s mandatory to bring two male Muslim witnesses with a valid Emirates ID and active UAE Pass.

Abu Dhabi – The marriage ceremony takes place at the Imam office ceremony venue.

Dubai – The marriage ceremony takes place at the Imam Majlis Venue in Dubai and can accommodate up to 25 guests.

During Ramadan – All appointments are subject to the Imam availability. Times may vary during Ramadan and the Imam is unavailable during public holidays and on weekends.

According to Federal Law No. 21 of 1997 regarding the dowry in Islamic marriage contracts, the advance dowry may not exceed AED 20,000, and the deferred dowry may not exceed AED 30,000.

8.1 For UAE Nationals:

• The maximum dowry limit is AED 50,000, with AED 20,000 paid in advance.
• National males working in the Armed Forces, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, or the Police, who wish to marry expatriates, must first obtain special permission from their employers.
• Ajman nationals must seek approval from the Sharia Court of Ajman if marrying a woman outside the GCC.

• 8.2 For Emirati Women Marrying Expatriate Men:

• Emirati women must obtain consent from their parents or guardians.
• If employed in the Armed Forces, a permit from her employer is required.
• The Emirati woman’s nationality should not be obtained by dependency.

Additionally, the prospective groom must:

• Not be stateless.
• Be a legitimate resident of the UAE.
• Provide a certificate of good conduct issued by the UAE.

8.3 For GCC Nationals and Citizens of Other Islamic Countries:

• Saudi and Bahraini citizens wishing to marry someone of a different nationality must obtain approval from their respective countries.
• A Yemeni woman wishing to marry a man of a different nationality must seek consent from her country.

Based on the medical screening certificate, a marriage application may be denied if either party is found to have:

1. A genetically inherited blood disorder.
2. A communicable disease.

Islamic marriages are conducted by UAE Judicial departments and Sharia courts or through the services of authorised marriage officers (Imam or Mazoons) in each emirate.

Original passport must be presented on the wedding day and if you are a UAE resident, you should also bring your Emirates ID.

Yes, you may take pictures during the marriage ceremony and it is possible to bring a photographer with you to the ceremony.

You can select the ceremony date and time subject to the Imam’s availability.

Once you have received your marriage certificate, it is recommended that you get it notarized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA).

All appointments are subject to the courts availability and are allocated a 30-minute time slot. Times may vary during Ramadan and the Court is closed during public holidays and on weekends.