The UAE is home to a diverse tapestry of more than 200 nationalities. As per reports, expatriates constitute 88.5% of the UAE population. Indians represent the largest group of the expat population, followed by other Asian, Southeast Asian, and Middle Eastern communities.

Given this demographic makeup, couples from Asia, Southeast Asia, and other Middle Eastern communities must understand the nuances of marriage registration in Abu Dhabi or online marriage registration in the UAE. In a larger context, it is also important to understand the role of a Power of Attorney, especially when one spouse lives overseas or is unable to attend the marriage registration process in person.

Understanding the Legal Landscape: Sharia and Civil Marriages

In the case of Muslim couples, be it Emirati or expat, the default process of marriage registration is through the Sharia courts. Under the UAE Federal Law No. 28 of 2005 on Personal Status, the criteria set are that:

a) Both individuals must be Muslim

b) A minimum age requirement of 18 years; court approval will be required if an individual is under the age of 18

c) Consent of the bride’s legal guardian (Can be given via a POA)

d) 2 male Muslim witnesses

e) a pre-marital health screening in a UAE-approved center

f) Registration at the local emirate’s Sharia court

The UAE Government Portal explicitly states that marriage as per Sharia law must be registered in a Sharia court. Should the bride’s guardian reside out of the country, then a Power of Attorney clearly notarized and attested often becomes a crucial document.

Civil Marriages for Non-Muslims

In 2021, Abu Dhabi introduced civil marriage for non-Muslim couples through Law No. 14 of 2021, making marriage registration in Abu Dhabi a possibility for foreign nationals of different faiths.

Under This Law:

a) Neither of the individuals can be a UAE national

b) Both individuals must provide consent and be above 18 years of age

c) Neither of the individuals should be currently married

d) Neither individual can be related within the first or second degree

Civil marriage applications can be initiated through the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department portal or at any of the authorized typing centers. Non-Muslim couples can also marry through their respective embassy or consulate, or at a church or temple that is locally licensed.

Marriage Registration and the Expat Community

Here’s how different marriage registration regulations can apply to the expat community

  • Asian Couples:

As one of the largest expat groups, many Asian couples opt for civil or Sharia registration, depending on their religion. Non-Muslim Indian/Pakistani couples can utilize Abu Dhabi’s Civil Registration and online marriage registration in the UAE through the ADJD. Should one spouse be located in India or Pakistan, a POA can be issued to provide consent, enable signature, and allow marriage certificate collection. Bangladeshi, Sri Lankan, and Nepali couples follow a similar structure using the Abu Dhabi civil marriage route or registering with their respective embassies and consulates..

  • Southeast Asian Couples:

Filipino expats form the majority of the Southeast Asian population in the UAE. Many of them, being Christian, opt for civil marriage via the embassy or the church. If eligible, some of them even consider the Abu Dhabi civil marriage route.

  • Middle Eastern Couples:

The Middle Eastern expat community residing in the UAE often has Islamic or Christian roots. Muslim couples typically follow Sharia marriage protocols. Christian or mixed-faith couples may use the embassy route or civil court route based on their eligibility. They may also opt to get their marriage registered in a church. In this case as well, a Power of Attorney becomes important when a parent or a guardian cannot provide consent to the marriage in person.

The process of Marriage registration in the UAE varies significantly on a case-by-case basis, depending on your nationality, religion, and visa status. However, for every case that involves cross-border consent, the absence of a guardian or other legal formalities, a well-drafted Power of Attorney becomes pivotal.

The team at MakemyPOA, are experts at drafting and notarizing marriage-related POAs. We also go the extra mile to ensure that we maintain high standards for document legalization and attestation, while also liaising with the courts and embassies. If you are preparing to register your marriage, we can provide you with expert assistance irrespective of your nationality and requirements. Contact our team today and proceed with confidence.