The Rise of Civil Marriage applications in Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi is experiencing a fascinating shift in its legal and cultural landscape. Recently, the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department revealed that more than 10,000 civil marriage applications were submitted by foreigners in the first half of 2025. That’s a significant 20% increase from the same period last year! Since the enactment of Law No. 14 of 2021, which governs civil marriages in the emirate, approximately 43,000 civil marriage contracts have been registered.
Counselor Yousef Saeed Al Abri, Undersecretary of the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department, attributes this surge to the high standards and uniqueness of the service offered. It reflects Abu Dhabi’s commitment to innovation in judicial services and its desire to enhance global competitiveness. The establishment of the region’s first civil personal status court dedicated to foreigners is a noteworthy milestone, making Abu Dhabi a go-to place for those looking to tie the knot in a civil manner.
What sets this service apart is its bilingual approach. Offering legal procedures in both Arabic and English removes barriers for non-Arabic speakers, significantly easing the process. According to the Civil Family Court’s statistics, during just three years, registered civil marriages jumped from 5,400 in 2022 to over 16,000 in 2024.
This uptick in civil marriages underscores Abu Dhabi’s dedication to fostering an inclusive, tolerant, and culturally diverse environment. It’s not just about marriage; it reflects the emirate’s aim to attract global talent and investment. The advance in judicial services is genuinely modernizing the regional system, allowing foreigners to navigate legal processes with clarity and ease.
Notably, the Civil Family Court offers a range of essential services for foreigners, including:
- Civil marriage contracts
- Pre-nuptial agreement notarization
- No-fault civil divorce, typically completed in a single session within 30 days
- Automatic joint custody provisions
- Civil wills drafting and registration
- Equal inheritance distribution among children
All these services are available electronically, removing the necessity for residency in the UAE. This means residents, tourists, and visitors can access the court’s resources swiftly and efficiently, making it easier for everyone involved.
As Abu Dhabi continues to nurture its role as a hub of tolerance and cultural diversity, it’s clear that the city is setting new standards for legal services. This is all part of a broader vision that is transforming not just how marriages are conducted, but also how families and individuals interact with the law.
If you’re interested in staying updated on real estate opportunities and developments in this vibrant city, don’t forget to check out Thaikadar (ٹھیکیدار) for regular updates. Just like the emergence of progressive legal frameworks in Abu Dhabi, the real estate landscape also continues to evolve, offering promising avenues for investment and engagement.
Whether you’re considering marriage or exploring real estate options, Abu Dhabi is the place to be. Engaging with local resources, like Pro21st, can ensure you stay informed and make the most of what this dynamic city has to offer.
