Digital ‘I Do’ in the UAE: Unveiling the Conditions, Required Documents, and Seamless Process for Online Marriages

“UAE Courts Introduce Streamlined Online Wedding Services, Redefining the Matrimonial Journey”

In a groundbreaking move that marries tradition with technological innovation, the courts in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have unveiled a seamless online marriage process, allowing soon-to-be couples to tie the knot remotely. 

The Dubai Courts, in particular, took the lead in this digital revolution by introducing services such as ‘Remote Civil Marriage’ and ‘Digital Attestation’ in October 2023.

Streamlined ‘I Do’ Process

The Remote Civil Marriage service, a Dubai Courts brainchild, caters to non-Muslim residents in Dubai seeking an officially recognized and authenticated electronic marriage contract. 

The beauty of this digital marriage contract lies in its recognition within the UAE, without the need for further attestations, as long as one of the parties is a resident of Dubai and both individuals are at least 21 years old.

However, entering the realm of online matrimony is not as simple as a click. Couples must adhere to a set of conditions and submit various documents to embark on their virtual marital journey. 

The following are the crucial details for individuals wishing to exchange vows online:

Online Wedding Prerequisites

1. Marital Status: Both parties must be unmarried.
2. Religious Affiliation: Both parties must be non-Muslims.
3. Residency: At least one of the parties must be a resident of Dubai, holding an Emirates ID card.
4. Age Requirement: The age of the couple must be at least 21 years old.

Document Checklist

• Authenticated certificate of the social status of both parties (single) from the embassy of their respective countries.
• If documents are issued outside the country, they must be certified by the relevant official authorities.
• All documents must be in PDF format.
• Documents in a language other than Arabic must be translated into Arabic by a certified legal translation entity from the Ministry of Justice in the UAE.
• Documents issued from outside the UAE must also be duly certified by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the respective country, the UAE embassy in that country, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the UAE.

Automated Journey with Dubai Courts

Dubai Courts has developed an automated system to facilitate this digital transformation that covers the entire contract process, including authorization, certification, and correction. This system significantly streamlines the experience for couples, reducing their journey to:

1. Communicating with accredited centres via phone or personal visits.
2. Submitting an electronic request.
3. Paying the requisite fees.
4. Receiving the approved electronic contract.

Abu Dhabi’s Technological Leap

Not to be outdone, the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department (ADJD) presented its own contribution to the evolving landscape of matrimony at Gitex Global 2023 in Dubai. 

A videoconferencing matrimonial service was showcased, allowing residents to apply for a marriage contract electronically.

The process involves receiving approvals and completing payment procedures online, with the added convenience of remotely booking an appointment to sign the marriage contract using videoconference technology.

ADJD emphasized that the final marriage contract document would be delivered electronically, and the digital signatures of both parties would be legally binding.

Navigating the Digital Wedding Terrain

For those seeking a digital wedding experience in Abu Dhabi, the process is relatively straightforward:

1. UAE Pass: Applicants must use UAE Pass to avail of the digital service.
2. Electronic Application: Apply for the marriage contract electronically and await approval, completing payment procedures online.
3. WebEx Appointment: Schedule an appointment to sign the contract using WebEx, a web conferencing platform.
4. Digital Signatures: Receive the final marriage contract with the digital signatures of both parties.

A Marriage of Tradition and Technology

This transformative shift in matrimonial services marks a significant milestone in the UAE’s commitment to embracing technology for the benefit of its residents. 

The integration of online wedding services aligns with the global trend of digitization and reflects the UAE’s dedication to simplifying processes and enhancing convenience for its diverse population.

As couples in the UAE embark on this pioneering journey of digital matrimony, the ‘I Do’ moment becomes more than just a ceremonial exchange—it becomes a testament to the union of tradition and technology in the heart of the Middle East.

This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members