Over 10,000 tourists, expats file to get married in Abu Dhabi in 2025
More than 10,000 couples from outside the UAE applied for civil marriage at the Abu Dhabi Civil Family Court from January to June 2025, the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department reported this week.
The latest figures show a jump of around 20 percent over the same six-month period in 2024. Since the launch of the emirate’s Civil Marriage Law in 2021, a total of 43,000 contracts have been completed.
Counselor Yousef Saeed Al Abri, the department’s Undersecretary, said the rising interest proves that Abu Dhabi’s civil marriage offer stands out for its quality and originality in the entire Middle East.
Statistics released show registrations soaring in less than three years—from 5,400 in 2022 to over 16,000 by 2024.
Counselor Al Abri added that the capital is becoming the go-to city in the region for civil marriage for expatriates. Its court is the only one in the Middle East dedicated to foreign nationals, and services are available in both Arabic and English.
The advanced Civil Family Court in Abu Dhabi makes it easier for non-nationals to tackle legal matters without confusion. Each step of the process is clear, showing the city’s commitment to justice for everyone.
The Court provides a step-by-step service in one smooth journey—from handing in the forms to receiving a final decision. Both Arabic and English are available, so clients feel secure, and the whole process takes less time and money.
Foreign nationals can access key services at the Civil Family Court, including:
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Civil marriage contracts, quick and reliable
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Notarisation of pre-nuptial agreements for added protection
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No-fault civil divorce, done in one session and within 30 days; a financial expert helps calculate alimony and other entitlements
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Automatic joint custody, ensuring equal rights for both parents after the divorce
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Civil wills, drafted and registered in one visit
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Equal inheritance distribution so that all children receive the same share
The Court’s entire set of electronic services is available online without needing UAE residency. This means the processes can be accessed by residents, tourists, and anyone visiting the country, ensuring that legal matters are handled smoothly and efficiently no matter where you start.
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