UAE: Over 10,000 Marriage Applications From Foreigners Received By Court In 2025

Over 10,000 civil marriage applications from foreigners were submitted to the Civil Family Court in Abu Dhabi during the first half of 2025, the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department has announced.

This number represents an increase of approximately 20 per cent compared to the same period last year. This brings the total number of registered civil marriage contracts to 43,000 since the introduction of Law No. 14 of 2021 on civil marriage in Abu Dhabi.

Counselor Yousef Saeed Al Abri, Undersecretary of the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department, said that the growing demand for civil marriage services by foreigners reflects the high quality and uniqueness of this service in the Middle East.

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According to the Civil Family Court's statistical report, the number of registered civil marriages has grown significantly in less than three years - from approximately 5,400 in 2022 to over 16,000 in 2024.

Counselor Al Abri noted that Abu Dhabi is a preferred destination for those seeking civil marriage services, as it has the region's first civil personal status court dedicated to foreigners, and provides services in both Arabic and English.

The advanced Civil Family Court model enables foreigners to complete legal proceedings transparently, with full understanding of each litigation stage - reflecting Abu Dhabi's dedication to the principles of inclusive justice. The court offers a comprehensive, streamlined judicial experience - from application submission to judgement issuance - in both Arabic and English. This boosts client confidence, and reduces time and procedural costs.

Key services offered by the Civil Family Court for foreigners include:

• Civil marriage contracts

• Pre-nuptial agreement notarisation

• No-fault civil divorce in a single session within 30 days, with a financial expert appointed to calculate entitlements such as alimony

• Automatic joint custody, ensuring equal parental rights following divorce

• Civil wills drafting and registration

• Equal inheritance distribution among children

The Civil Family Court provides a full suite of electronic services without requiring residency in the UAE, making them accessible to residents, tourists, and visitors alike - ensuring smooth and efficient legal processes for all clients.

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