Court marriage in the UAE is the most popular option among the couples who are living (residents) or traveling in the UAE (tourists). Court marriage is a legal way of marrying in the UAE. But most couples usually have one common question: can a couple have a court marriage without witnesses in the UAE?
This article discusses in detail the marriage conditions under Islamic marriage and civil marriage and requirements of witnesses in the UAE.
What is Court Marriage in the UAE?
Court marriage in the UAE is a legal procedure by which couples formally register their marriage with the UAE court. It is the most accepted and legal form of marriage under the UAE Personal Status Law.
The marriage is registered in the court, and the couple is given an official marriage certificate, which can be utilized locally and internationally (after attestation if needed).
Types of Court Marriage in the UAE
1. Islamic Court Marriage
In the case of Muslim couples (expatriates and UAE nationals), court marriage would be in accordance with Sharia.
- Conducted in Sharia courts.
- Require the permission of the bride’s guardian.
- Require the presence of two male Muslim witnesses.
- Submit a pre-marital medical certificate from a government authorized health center in the UAE.
2. Civil Court Marriage (For Non-Muslims)
Non-Muslim couples can opt for a civil marriage in the UAE, which is a secular marriage procedure.
- There are no religious conditions.
- No consent from a witness or guardian is needed.
- It is quick and easy.
- It allows the couple to marry irrespective of religion or nationality.
Islamic Marriage for Muslims in the UAE
UAE Muslim marriages are subject to Federal Law No. 41 of 2024 (Personal Status Law), under which Sharia law mandates that the marriage be witnessed. The law applies to:
- UAE citizens if both parties of the relationship or one of them is Muslim;
- Non-Muslim UAE citizens unless they have provisions specific to their sect and religion or they agree to apply another law in force in the UAE;
- Non-UAE citizens unless one of them insists on applying his/her law or any other law that has been agreed to be applied, as permitted by the legislation in force in the State.
Requirement of Witnesses under Personal status law
Article 26 of Personal Status Law, states about the Conditions for the Validity of the Marriage Contract. The following conditions shall be met for the marriage contract to be valid:
1. Specifying the spouses.
2. The wife should not be, permanently or temporarily, part of the category of women to whom marriage is prohibited for the specified man.
3. The consent of the wife.
4. The offer by the guardian (in case the wife is Muslim) and the other’s acceptance, with the exception of the non-citizen Muslim wife if the law of her nationality does not require her to have a guardian in marriage.
5. Testimony of two witnesses.
Further, under Article 27 of the Personal Status Law talks about the requirements of witnesses as follows:
- the witness shall be a sane man,
- has reached the age of majority,
- has heard the offer and acceptance and understood what is meant by them, and
- be a Muslim as long as the husband is a Muslim.
Civil Marriage in Abu Dhabi
It is possible for anyone to get married, regardless of nationality or religion. The only exemption is a UAE national who is Muslim. It is also important to note that tourists can get married at the Abu Dhabi Civil Family Court.
Conditions for Concluding Civil Marriage
A civil marriage is concluded if the following conditions are met:
- Age: both husband and wife have reached at least (18) calendar years, and age is proven by any official document issued by the country to which they belong.
- The free will of those wishing to marry: those wishing to marry shall explicitly express their consent to the marriage, and there should be nothing to legally prohibit their consent.
- Eligibility: The spouses must have the necessary mental capacity.
- The absence of blood relationship: the marriage must not be between brothers, children, grandchildren, uncles or aunts.
- No polygamy: None of the spouses is bound by any existing marital relationship.
Note: Applicants are exempted from submitting a medical examination certificate before marriage, and no witnesses are required for the marriage to take place.
How to Apply:
- Fill in the application online via the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department website.
- Select the service type:
- Normal service (10 working days): AED 300.
- Express service (1 working day): AED 2,500.
- Wedding ceremony at the Abu Dhabi Civil Family Court.
Family and friends may be invited, but no witnesses are legally required.
Civil Marriage in Dubai
Dubai introduced a civil marriage service for non-Muslim residents of the emirate of Dubai. This service allows couples to obtain a civil wedding license in just 24 hours.
Conditions
To proceed with a civil marriage application in Dubai, the following conditions must be met:
- Both parties must be non-Muslims
- At least one of the parties must be a resident of Dubai
- The age of the couple must be at least 21 years old
- The couple or their legally authorized representatives must appear in person
- Original IDs are required to prove their identity details
- Proof of being single must be provided.
Key Information:
- Documents required:
- The couple or their legally authorized representatives must appear in person
- Original IDs are required to prove their identity details
- Proof of being single must be provided.
- No Witnesses needed:
Witnesses are not required for civil marriages in Dubai. The UAE Civil Personal Status Law allows for an easy civil marriage process for non-Muslim couples without requiring the presence of witnesses.
When Do You Need Witnesses for Court Marriage in the UAE?
| Type of Marriage | Witness Requirement |
| Civil Marriage (Non-Muslims) | Not required |
| Islamic Marriage (Muslims) | Required (2 male Muslims) |
- In simple terms, Sharia law strictly mandates witness in all Muslim marriages in the UAE. Two adult male Muslim witnesses are a prerequisite before the marriage contract is valid.
- Sharia law is not enforced on non-Muslims in civil marriage.
- Court marriage without any witnesses is legally permissible in Abu Dhabi for the eligible couples.
Why Opt for Court Marriage Without Witnesses?
Civil marriage is the best option for those who are looking for a court marriage without the requirement of witnesses. Following are the reasons:
- Privacy: Some couples prefer to marry secretly without witnesses. Court marriage provides this facility for those who desire privacy.
- Convenience: For those who want to perform marriage quickly and with minimal formalities, civil marriage is the best option. As such marriage does not require any witnesses, so it is convenient for couples.
- Legal Validity: The marriage certificate that you will receive is legally valid in the UAE. You can use it for visa applications, insurance, or other official purposes.
How Dubai Court Marriage Lawyers Can Assist You
Our experienced UAE marriage lawyers at Dubai Court Marriage assist you in selecting the appropriate type of marriage, preparing the documents, and help you with filing marriage applications.
Our marriage lawyers make sure that your marriage process is simple, without any stress, and in compliance with UAE—whether you prefer to have civil marriage without witnesses or Islamic marriage as per personal status law.
Please contact our Dubai marriage lawyers today, if you are looking for more information and how we can assist you in getting married in the UAE with ease and without any confusion or delay.