Abu Dhabi's Civil Marriage Boom

Civil Marriage in Abu Dhabi: Over 10,000 Foreign Couples Chose It in the First Half of 2025

Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates, has not only become a regional hub from an economic and cultural perspective in recent years, but also plays a pioneering role in the field of civil justice. In the first half of 2025, more than 10,000 foreigners submitted marriage applications through the Abu Dhabi Civil Family Court system, representing approximately a 20% increase compared to the same period of the previous year. Since the introduction of Law No. 14 of 2021, a total of 43,000 civil marriage contracts have been registered, a unique number in the Middle East region.

The Abu Dhabi Model Gaining Popularity

The possibility of civil marriage in Abu Dhabi has become particularly appealing to foreigners who wish to legally settle their relationships in a simple, quick, and transparent manner. According to the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department, in 2022, only about 5,400 civil marriages were registered, but by 2024, this number exceeded 16,000. The dynamic growth clearly demonstrates the acceptance and efficiency of the system.

One of the main attractions is that the Abu Dhabi Civil Family Court was the first court in the region specifically providing civil services related to personal status for foreigners. Procedures are available in both Arabic and English, allowing couples to fully understand the significance and process of each legal step.

Digital and Easily Accessible Services

One of the greatest advantages of the Abu Dhabi model is the completely digitized administration. Thanks to the electronic services of the Civil Family Court, everything from the marriage contract to divorce can be conducted online – and clients do not even need to be UAE residents for this. This is particularly important for tourists and short-term visitors.

Thanks to the efficiency of the system, the time and cost associated with legal procedures can be minimized. The transparency of the procedures and the quick administration increase client confidence and also demonstrate Abu Dhabi’s commitment to modern and inclusive justice.

What Services Does the Civil Family Court Offer?

The institution provides a full range of services for foreigners. The most important options include:

- Concluding a civil marriage contract

- Couples of different religions or those unable to marry civilly in their own country can wed.

- Attestation of prenuptial (prenup) agreements

- Couples can pre-regulate the division of property in the event of divorce.

- Divorce by mutual consent, even in a single hearing

- The no-fault divorce occurs in a simplified form, with the court appointing a financial expert to handle matters like maintenance or other financial claims.

- Automatic joint child custody

- After divorce, parents automatically receive equal parental rights, eliminating the need for lengthy child custody battles.

- Will drafting and registration

- The court provides an opportunity for registering civil wills, including asset distribution.

- Equal inheritance distribution among children

- Civil inheritance rules ensure equal asset distribution among children regardless of religious background.

Abu Dhabi as a Marriage Destination

Due to these services and the system's flexibility, Abu Dhabi is increasingly popular as a marriage destination. It's not uncommon for couples from other countries to travel to the emirate solely to enter a civil marriage there. The English-language administration, quick processing time, and the internationally recognized marriage certificate often offer a simpler and more reliable solution compared to alternatives available in other countries.

A Model to Follow in the Region

The Civil Family Court's model is exemplary in many ways. Digital administration, legal flexibility, and cultural and linguistic sensitivity create a service environment where individuals and couples can feel secure. The court’s operation fits well with Abu Dhabi’s long-term strategy aimed at strengthening its global city status and integrating international communities.

Closing Thoughts

The more than 10,000 marriage applications submitted by foreigners in the first half of 2025 is not just a statistical data point but a clear message that civil marriage in Abu Dhabi offers a real alternative for international couples. The services are modern, accessible, and culturally neutral, crucial for countries with diverse populations. Thus, Abu Dhabi occupies a prominent space not only on the economic and tourism map but also in the domain of human rights and justice.

(Source of the article: Civil Family Court statement.)