How to Get Married in the UAE (Sharia, Civil & Abu Dhabi Civil Marriage)
The UAE has three main ways to marry. You can have a Sharia marriage. You can make a marriage contract through the Ministry of Justice (eMarriage). Or, if you are a non-Muslim, or a Muslim who is not a UAE citizen, you can have a civil marriage at the Abu Dhabi Civil Family Court. Non-Muslims can also complete the marriage formalities at their embassy or consulate, or at their place of worship. Fees start at AED 50 (MOJ) or AED 300 (ADJD civil, standard).
At a glance
- Cost:
- MOJ: AED 50; ADJD civil: AED 300 standard / AED 2,500 express
- Total time:
- MOJ contract: 1 day; ADJD civil: up to 10 working days standard, 1 working day express
- Steps:
- 7 steps
- Where to apply:
- u.ae
Last reviewed October 2026 against official sources. Re-checked annually · next review due October 2027.
The Steps
Follow these in order
Each card shows the phase, expected time, and any cost. Data checked against official UAE sources(October 2026).
0 of 7 steps
- Before You Go Self-check
Choose your route
The routes are: a Sharia marriage, an MOJ marriage contract through the eMarriage service, and an Abu Dhabi civil marriage. You can also have a ceremonial marriage at your embassy or consulate, or at your place of worship (non-Muslims). An Abu Dhabi civil marriage is a lawful union of a man and a woman. It is a civil contract under secular rules. Faith and nationality do not matter, except for Muslim citizens of the UAE.
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- Go Varies by centre
Premarital screening
For the MOJ route, complete the premarital screening at a federal health centre. This includes the medical examination certificate, with genetic testing for non-Muslims.
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- Submit & Pay Same day
Apply
For MOJ, apply under the eMarriage service. For an ADJD civil marriage, submit the application and the documents through the ADJD portal. The ADJD conditions are: both parties agree; both parties are at least 18; there is no 1st or 2nd-degree kinship; and neither party is married to another person. Non-Muslim UAE nationals are exempt from the non-national restriction. Muslims who are not UAE citizens may use the civil service.
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- Wait MOJ 1 day; ADJD up to 10 working days MOJ AED 50; ADJD AED 300 / 2,500
Review + pay
ADJD reviews your application. It approves it or rejects it, with reasons. You pay the fee when it is approved. The standard fee is AED 300, and it takes up to 10 working days. The urgent or express fee is AED 2,500, and it takes within 1 working day. An MOJ marriage contract takes 1 day and the fee is AED 50. You can also authenticate a prenuptial agreement at ADJD. This is optional and costs AED 950. A court template is available.
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- Go ~15 minutes
Attend the ceremony
For ADJD, after approval and payment, you get an email with the date and time of the ceremony. Attend in person at the Civil Family Court, in the ADJD main building, next to Zayed Sports City. A marriage by video conference is only possible if all parties are UAE residents. The court tries to complete the ceremony within 15 minutes. You do not need a witness. Family and friends may attend. Bring your passport. Bring your Emirates ID too, if you are a resident.
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- Receive Same day
Get the certificate
The marriage certificate is issued right after the ADJD ceremony. It has digital authentication. MOJ marriage contracts are completed in 1 day.
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- Follow Up Varies
Attest + register
ADJD recommends that you get the certificate attested or notarised by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. For the certificate to be valid in your home country, contact your home embassy. A non-Muslim ceremonial marriage must also be registered at the embassies of both partners in the UAE. To reschedule an ADJD ceremony, tell the court at least 24 hours in advance. Refunds are only given in very limited circumstances.
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FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need witnesses for a civil marriage in Abu Dhabi?
No. ADJD states you do not need to bring a witness to a civil marriage ceremony. You may bring family and friends. For the MOJ route, you must give witness identification. Check the details with the court.
Can tourists get married in Abu Dhabi?
Yes. Tourists can apply from anywhere through the ADJD portal. But they must travel to Abu Dhabi for the ceremony. A marriage by video conference is only for parties who are all UAE residents.
Can we sign a prenuptial agreement?
Yes. ADJD offers authentication of a prenuptial agreement for AED 950. It is not mandatory. A court template is available.
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