In the first half of 2025, more than 10,000 foreign applicants submitted civil marriage applications to the Civil Family Court in Abu Dhabi, according to the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department.
This figure marks an approximately 20% increase compared to the same timeframe last year, raising the total number of civil marriage contracts to 43,000 since Law No. 14 of 2021 allowed for civil marriages in Abu Dhabi.
Counselor Yousef Saeed Al Abri, the Undersecretary of the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department, highlighted the rising demand for civil marriage services by foreigners, attributing it to the high quality and distinctiveness of this service in the Middle East.
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According to a report from the Civil Family Court, registered civil marriages have surged in less than three years—from about 5,400 in 2022 to over 16,000 in 2024.
Counselor Al Abri emphasized that Abu Dhabi is a popular choice for those pursuing civil marriage services due to its unique civil personal status court for foreigners with services available in both Arabic and English.
The advanced Civil Family Court model offers foreigners clear legal procedures, enhancing transparency and understanding throughout the litigation process, showcasing Abu Dhabi’s commitment to inclusive justice. The court provides a comprehensive, efficient judicial experience—from application to judgment—in both Arabic and English, boosting client trust and minimizing time and procedural expenses.
Key services provided by the Civil Family Court for foreigners include:
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Civil marriage contracts
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Notarization of prenuptial agreements
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No-fault civil divorce in one session within 30 days, with a financial expert handling entitlements like alimony
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Automatic joint custody ensuring equal parental rights post-divorce
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Civil wills drafting and registration
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Equal inheritance distribution among children
The Civil Family Court offers a complete range of electronic services without the need for UAE residency, making them accessible to residents, tourists, and visitors, ensuring smooth, efficient legal processes for all clients.
