Tuesday 19 March 2024 (UAE)

Marriage and weddings in Dubai, UAE

Coronavirus in the UAE: Some information on this website is out of date as a result of measures taken in the UAE to deal with the coronavirus crisis. Confirm with official or authoritative sources.

Getting married in the UAE

Expat as well as Emirati couples can and do get married in Dubai and the UAE. The rules and procedures vary depending on nationality and/or religion, and sometimes which emirate the marriage takes place. Generally, two people of the same religion can marry without difficulty. If the groom is Muslim then it should also be straightforward at the Dubai Courts or Abu Dhabi Judiciary, otherwise people of different religions might face some problems organising a wedding.

Getting married in Dubai

Christian weddings in Dubai
Civil marriage by nationality - possible and/or simplest options

If it seems too complicated in Dubai, try the Abu Dhabi Judiciary Department (ADJD), who say that any two residents of the UAE can get married there (irrespective of religion or nationality). This is not confirmed though, conflicting information provided, some sources say one party must be Muslim despite what the ADJD say.

Marriage in Abu Dhabi

The Abu Dhabi Judiciary Departmen (ADJD) overseas marriages in the emirate of Abu Dhabi (which includes the city of Al Ain).

[Below sections check for updates]

Mandatory pre-marital medical tests (update 05 Jun 2012)

Pre-marriage certificates from government hospitals only (29 Dec 2007)

From 19 November 2005, anyone getting married in the UAE (expats and nationals) needed a medical fitness certificate to prove they were free of infectious diseases, which could be issued at private and government hospitals and medical clinics. From the end of January 2008, you'll have to do this test at Ministry of Health affiliated government hospitals and medical clinics (ref: Khaleej Times 29 Dec 2007.

Compulsory blood tests (25 Sep 2007)

Emirates Today newspaper reported that both Emiratis and expats must have a blood test before getting married in Dubai as of 09 September 2007. The Dubai Health Authority says screenings will be introduced in other emirates also. The blood test costs AED 260 for expats, nothing for UAE nationals with a health card. Results take a week and are apparently kept confidential and not included in the certificate issued by the Dubai Health Authority for use in court (where a marriage has to be registered). The blood test screens for Aids, sexually-transmitted diseases, and hereditary diseases such as thalassaemia and sickle cell anaemia (common genetic disorders in the UAE). Only an HIV-positive result can be used to stop a marriage, but health officials will outline the risks of the other conditions.

[Old, needs update] Documents required for getting married in the UAE

There might be some variation depending on emirate.

Christian Weddings

Do something like this (it will vary depending on nationality).

St Mary's Church in Bur Dubai has priests available to talk to from 8am-12pm and 4-6pm every day except Fridays and Sundays about procedures. But phone to double check on holidays or during Lent.

Islamic Marriages

Mixed religion weddings

Contact details

Last update Saturday 08-Aug-2015
Related pages
Related websites (new window)
Sponsored links

www.dubaifaqs.com/marriage-in-dubai.php (PDF and print version).

Abu Dhabi AUH ABD ADB, Ajman AJM, Al Ain AAN, Dubai DXB, Fujairah FUJ, Ras Al Khaimah RAK, Sharjah SHJ, Umm Al Quwain UAQ

DubaiFAQs UAE information guide. Copyright © 2004-2024 www.dubaifaqs.com, Dubai, UAE - United Arab Emirates | blog | Facebook | Twitter |