How does civil marriage in Abu Dhabi work?
The Abu Dhabi Civil Family Court marries any couple where neither partner is a UAE national, residents and visitors alike, from age 18. The regular service costs AED 300 and takes up to 10 working days. The express service costs AED 2,500, takes 1 working day and lets you pick the date.
You apply online, pay the court fee and attend a short ceremony at the Civil Family Court in the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department’s main building, next to Zayed Sports City. Anyone can use the service “regardless of religion” except UAE nationals, and you do not need to live in the UAE.1
Who can marry this way?
The court’s conditions are:1
- both of you consent
- both of you are at least 18
- you are not related in the first or second degree
- neither of you is married to anyone else
- neither of you is a UAE national
Visitors apply through the court’s online portal from anywhere and travel to Abu Dhabi for the ceremony.1 u.ae says civil marriage under the federal law “does not apply to Muslims”.2 If either of you is Muslim, ask the court before you apply.
What does it cost and how long does it take?
| Service | Fee | Processing | Ceremony date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular | AED 300 | Within 10 working days | Allocated by the court based on availability |
| Express | AED 2,500 | Within 1 working day | You choose, within court hours |
| Notarised marriage agreement (optional) | AED 950 | Submitted with the application | Not applicable |
u.ae adds that after approval and payment the court should contact you within 5 working days to arrange the ceremony.2
When can the ceremony take place?
Monday to Thursday 9:00am to 1:30pm and Friday 9:00am to 11:00am, in 30-minute slots. Times may change in Ramadan, and the court is closed on public holidays and weekends. The court aims to finish the ceremony within 15 minutes.1
You need no witness, but you may bring guests and a photographer. Bring your passports, and Emirates IDs if you are residents.1
Without 24 hours’ notice you must submit a new application.1 If your celebration is booked for the same weekend, a missed slot can leave you married on a different day from the party, or not yet married at it.
What documents do you need?
A copy of both passports, Emirates IDs if you have them, and proof that any earlier marriage ended, such as a divorce judgment or death certificate.12 u.ae says premarital screening is not required for a civil marriage.3
What do you do after the ceremony?
The marriage certificate is issued at the end of the ceremony.2 The court recommends having it attested by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and says to contact your embassy if you are unsure it is valid at home.1 See attesting your marriage certificate.
Choose regular or express by counting back from your wedding date with the marriage paperwork timeline.
Sources
3
1Abu Dhabi Judicial Department, Abu Dhabi Civil Family Court. Last checked 12 Nov 2026. Source document: Abu Dhabi Civil Family Court
2The Official Platform of the UAE Government (u.ae), Civil marriage. Last checked 12 Nov 2026. Source document: Civil marriage
3The Official Platform of the UAE Government (u.ae), Marriage as per the Sharia law. Last checked 12 Nov 2026. Source document: Marriage as per the Sharia law
- Owner
- Weddinginsurance.ae research team
- Last review
- Next review due
- 12 Mar 2027
- Status
- Published