UAE: Getting Married Online – Conditions, Required Documents, Process Explained

In October 2023, Dubai Courts introduced groundbreaking services like ‘Remote Civil Marriage’ and ‘Digital Attestation,’ making it possible for non-Muslim residents in Dubai to secure an officially recognized and authenticated electronic marriage contract. The process simplifies the marriage experience, particularly for couples opting for remote weddings.

Conditions for Remote Civil Marriage by Dubai Courts:

1. Both parties must be unmarried.
2. Both parties must be non-Muslims.
3. At least one party must be a resident of Dubai, holding an Emirates ID card.
4. The couple’s age must be at least 21 years old.
5. Authenticated certificates of social status for both parties from the embassies of their respective countries.
6. Documents issued outside the country must be certified by relevant official authorities.
7. All documents must be in PDF format.
8. Documents in a language other than Arabic must be translated by a certified legal translation entity from the UAE Ministry of Justice.
9. Documents from outside the UAE must be duly certified by the relevant authorities.

Dubai Courts’ Automated System:

Dubai Courts have developed an automated system for contract stages, streamlining the process, which involves:

• Communicating with accredited centers via phone or personal visits.
• Submitting an electronic request.
• Paying requisite fees.
• Receiving the approved electronic contract.

Videoconferencing Matrimonial Service in Abu Dhabi:

Abu Dhabi Judicial Department (ADJD) unveiled a videoconferencing matrimonial service at Gitex Global 2023 in Dubai. The service allows residents to apply for a marriage contract electronically, receive approvals, and complete payment procedures online. The final marriage contract with digital signatures of both parties is legally binding.

How to Apply for Digital Wedding (Abu Dhabi):

1. Use UAE Pass for the digital service.
2. Apply for the marriage contract electronically and wait for approval.
3. Complete payment procedures online.
4. Schedule an appointment to sign the contract using WebEx (web conferencing).
5. Receive the final marriage contract with digital signatures of both parties.