New Marriage Laws Announced For Non-Muslim UAE Expats

Planning to getting married in the UAE? Here is what you need to know.

A new federal-decree law has been issued on February 1, 2023.

It is changing divorce procedures across the UAE and setting down how to formalise contracts – whether initiated by one or both parties. The new family law also regulates procedures for inheritance, wills and proof of paternity.

New Civil Marriage Contracts

According to UAE marriage laws, civil marriage contracts must now meet a set of conditions that include the need for spouses to be at least 21 years old, and for a declaration form to be completed in front of a judge.

“No Fault” Divorce In The UAE

To file for divorce, one spouse must inform the court of their desire to end the marriage without having to justify, explain or blame the other spouse.

They can request a separation without having to prove that any harm was done during the marriage.

Automatic Joint Custody Of Children

As for child custody, it is granted equally to both parents unless one submits a request to the court seeking to exclude the other based on the best interests of the child. The law will apply to all non-Muslims in the country.

The UAE government hopes the move will enhance its status as an attractive destination for talent from around the world.

According to a government statement, “it organises the procedures for settling the financial claims after divorce and the arrangement of joint custody for the children.”

“The provisions of the decree-law apply to non-Muslim foreigners residing in the country unless someone adheres to the application of his country’s law.”

“Moreover, non-Muslim foreigners may agree to implement other legislation on family or personal status in force in the UAE instead of the provisions of this decree-law.”

The decree extends legal reforms introduced in Abu Dhabi in November 2021 to the rest of the country.

Equal legal rights for men and women were among the changes announced last year. A dedicated family court for non-Muslims was opened in line with the legal reforms.

The court hears all cases related to marriage, custody, divorce, paternity, inheritance and personal status.