Greater than 10,000 purposes for civil marriages by foreigners – by each UAE resident expats and guests – had been submitted with the Abu Dhabi Judicial Division’s Civil Household Court docket within the first half of the 12 months.
This represents a rise of roughly 20 per cent in comparison with the identical interval final 12 months, and the numbers look set to beat the report of 16,000 purposes that had been acquired throughout the 12 months of 2024.
The whole variety of registered civil marriage contracts, for the reason that introduction of Law No. 14 of 2021 on Civil Marriage and its results within the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, has now crossed 43,000. The variety of registered civil marriages has grown considerably in lower than three years, from roughly 5,400 in 2022 to 16,000 in 2024 and over 10,000 within the first half of 2025.
Abu Dhabi Judicial Division stated the rising quantity displays the prime quality and uniqueness of this service within the Center East. It underscores Abu Dhabi’s dedication to delivering revolutionary judicial companies in step with the emirate’s broader developmental progress, thereby enhancing its world competitiveness.
Counsellor Yousef Saeed Al Abri, Undersecretary of the division, stated that the institution of the area’s first civil private standing courtroom devoted to foreigners marked a significant milestone, positioning Abu Dhabi as a most popular vacation spot for these in search of civil marriage companies.
The supply of companies in each Arabic and English has performed a key function in facilitating authorized procedures for non-Arabic audio system. The superior Civil Household Court docket permits foreigners to finish authorized proceedings transparently, with a full understanding of every litigation stage.
This outstanding development demonstrates Abu Dhabi’s success in creating a contemporary legislative setting that meets household wants whereas supporting the emirate’s financial targets. It additionally cements the emirate’s fame as a hub for tolerance and cultural variety.
The Court docket provides a complete, streamlined judicial expertise, from software submission to judgment issuance. This boosts shopper confidence, reduces time and procedural prices.
Key companies supplied by the Civil Household Court docket for foreigners embrace:
- Civil marriage contracts
- Pre-nuptial settlement notarisation
- No-fault civil divorce in a single session inside 30 days, with a monetary skilled appointed to calculate entitlements equivalent to alimony
- Computerized joint custody, guaranteeing equal parental rights following divorce
- Civil wills drafting and registration
- Equal inheritance distribution amongst youngsters
The Civil Household Court docket supplies a full suite of digital companies with out requiring residency within the UAE, making them accessible to residents, vacationers, and guests alike.