Laws Around Relationships and Marriage in Dubai

Who this guide helps

If you are planning a move to Dubai as a couple or considering marrying once you arrive, this guide is for you. We explain the rules for non-Muslims and Muslims in clear terms, highlight how recent reforms affect everyday life, and outline what to prepare before you relocate. Our aim is to help you plan confidently, make informed decisions, and avoid delays.

What the rules really mean in practice

Dubai now recognises civil marriage for non-Muslim couples under the federal civil personal status framework. In simple terms, both partners must be at least 21, not closely related, give clear consent before the judge, and sign a disclosure confirming any prior or existing marriages. You typically need valid passports, proof of single status or divorce if applicable, and at least one partner with a Dubai connection such as residency or a tenancy contract. There is no requirement for a male guardian, witnesses, or a premarital medical test in the civil process. Once documents are in order, registration is usually straightforward and produces a UAE-recognised civil marriage certificate.

For Muslims, marriage is handled by the Sharia courts. The normal minimum age is 18, and a judge’s approval can be needed if one spouse is more than double the age of the other. The bride must be Muslim or from Ahl al-Kitab - Christian or Jewish - and premarital medical and genetic screening can affect approval where serious communicable or inheritable conditions exist. These rules are federal and apply in Dubai with procedural variations.

Cohabitation for non-Muslim couples is now permitted, and unmarried parenting is recognised within the non-Muslim personal status system. The same reforms strengthened protections around consent in sexual offence laws. The UAE also allows many expatriates to apply their home country law to personal matters like marriage, divorce, custody, and inheritance, which can simplify cross-border planning. Divorce procedures are faster than before, with shorter arbitration timelines, clearer documentation duties, and stronger housing protections for spouses.

Abu Dhabi’s digital civil family court has set expectations for speed and tourist-friendly processing. Tourists can often complete a civil marriage in Abu Dhabi. Dubai is typically best if at least one partner already lives or holds a tenancy here. Fees for certificates are modest. Emirati citizens have additional public-health requirements, including compulsory genetic testing since 2025, which do not generally apply to non-Muslim civil marriages.

Clear rules and faster processes mean you can plan your relationship and relocation with confidence.

Bottom line: Dubai offers a practical, internationally minded framework for couples, while preserving distinct paths for Muslim and non-Muslim marriages.

How ARK makes your move easier

At ARK, we specialise in helping people relocate their businesses and lives to Dubai. We guide you on choosing the right marriage path - civil or Sharia - explain eligibility and documents, and coordinate certified translations, attestations, and court appointments. We also assist with residence visas, tenancy setup, health insurance, and post-arrival compliance so your move is smooth from day one. Our team keeps timelines tight and communication clear, so you always know what is next.

Your next steps

1. Confirm your eligibility: civil or Sharia route, ages, religion, and documentation.
2. Gather documents: passports, proof of single status or divorce, tenancy or residency link, translations.
3. Book a consultation with ARK to map your timeline and choose the right court.
4. Prepare visa and housing plans to align with your marriage appointment and move date.
5. Complete registration and collect certificates, then activate bank, insurance, and utilities.
6. Plan for aftercare: spouse visas, dependants, and any home-country registrations.

Useful insights before you arrive

Timelines are driven by document readiness. For civil marriages, once paperwork is correct, appointments and issuance are typically quick. If you are Muslim, expect medical screening considerations and ensure religious eligibility is clear from the start. Non-Muslim couples can cohabit legally, which helps with tenancy and planning. Tourists may marry more easily in Abu Dhabi’s digital court, while Dubai suits residents or those with a tenancy link. Many expatriates can apply their home-country law to family matters, improving predictability across borders. If you later separate, updated rules support faster resolution and clearer rights, especially around housing and documentation.