Skip to main content
Let's Discuss!

Advice for Bahrain couple about their wedding in Abu Dhabi

|

With the new UAE law which permits non-Muslims and foreign expats to marry in a civil court, many GCC expats are considering getting married in Abu Dhabi instead. The new law, in the UAE, is encouraging marriages between non-Muslims and foreign expats in Abu Dhabi

Read the whole article and get the best advice for your marriage in Abu Dhabi.

New marriage law in Abu Dhabi

Prior to the new marriage law, non-Muslims and foreigners who wanted to marry had to do it either at their respective nations’ embassies or in the presence of special local officials. Foreigners and non-Muslims can now marry in any civil court in Abu Dhabi, due to a new marriage law issued by the UAE in Abu Dhabi. This has given many couples who want to start their marriage in the wonderful UAE.

Know all about getting married in Abu Dhabi

Couples who are unable to marry in different parts of the world can get married in Abu Dhabi.   According to the Legal Counsel of the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department, civil marriage law is governed by secular laws rather than Sharia law.

The marriage is also only lawful until the spouses’ country applies Sharia Law to their family matters. Individuals from other countries can also apply for marriage in Abu Dhabi online, plan their weddings in Abu Dhabi, and sign their legal marriage certificates. In December 2021, Abu Dhabi’s secular court approved the first-ever civil marriage contract for a Canadian couple.

Required documents for couples

The following documents must be submitted:

  • a completed and signed marriage application form
  • a copy of passport, or Emirates ID (of both parties)
  • proof of no record of existing marriage (for both parties)
  • marriage agreement (optional).

Keen to plan your big day in GCC? You can check in with our planners and learn which wedding destination would be best suited to your given situation.

Interesting readings for you

August 14, 2022
Marriage in Bahrain is a mutual contract between both the bride and the groom. Just as in Oman or any other GCC country it is considered a holy union…
July 8, 2022
Islam is the main religion, and the locals are known for being friendly to visitors and tolerant towards the practice of other faiths in their countr…
November 8, 2024
The UAE visa amnesty 2024 is a golden opportunity for parents to regularize the status of their undocumented children. As part of the UAE amnesty sch…
Getting married in Dubai vs Bahrain for Filipino and British nationals
It is important to understand the steps to follow to successfully get married in Dubai if you are a Filipino and British couple. With that, you are assured of enjoying your important day. How to get married in Dubai for Filipino and British while in Bahrain might mean that you get to compare the two […]
Legal Aspects of Court Marriage Without Witness in the UAE 2025
An increasing number of couples, particularly expatriates, are searching for a quick and private route to marriage in the UAE. One pressing question is whether a court marriage without witness in the UAE is legally feasible. Traditionally, witnesses were a critical part of the marriage process. However, recent legislative changes—mainly for non-Muslims—have introduced new procedures […]
Easy wedding in Seychelles for Bahrain couples
Given that the embassies might differ, getting married in Bahrain is quite challenging if you are from different nationalities. It requires a great deal of procedures and paperwork, which typically takes time. In this article we shed light on why an easy wedding in Seychelles might be the answering you are looking for as a […]
5/5 (302)