Abu dhabi: The Abu Dhabi Judicial Department has announced a significant rise in civil marriage applications from foreigners, with over 10,000 applications submitted to the Civil Family Court in the first half of 2025. This marks a 20% increase compared to the same period in the previous year, bringing the total number of registered civil marriage contracts to 43,000 since the enactment of Law No. 14 of 2021 on Civil Marriage and its effects in Abu Dhabi.
According to Emirates Press Agency, Counselor Yousef Saeed Al Abri, Undersecretary of the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department, emphasized that the rising demand for civil marriage services by foreigners highlights the quality and uniqueness of these services in the Middle East. He noted that this trend underscores Abu Dhabi's dedication to providing innovative judicial services, enhancing the emirate's global competitiveness.
The establishment of the region's first civil personal status court dedicated to foreigners marked a significant milestone, positioning Abu Dhabi as a prime destination for civil marriage services. Services offered in both Arabic and English have been crucial in facilitating legal procedures for non-Arabic speakers.
The Civil Family Court's statistical report reveals a substantial growth in registered civil marriages, from 5,400 in 2022 to over 16,000 in 2024, with 10,000 recorded in the first half of 2025 alone. This growth reflects Abu Dhabi's success in creating a modern legislative environment that aligns with family needs and supports the emirate's economic goals. The development solidifies Abu Dhabi's reputation as a hub of tolerance and cultural diversity, drawing talent and expertise globally.
The advanced Civil Family Court model represents a significant advancement in the regional judicial system. It allows foreigners to complete legal proceedings transparently, with a clear understanding of each litigation stage, reflecting Abu Dhabi's commitment to inclusive justice principles.
The court provides a comprehensive judicial experience, from application submission to judgment issuance, in both Arabic and English. This enhances client confidence, reduces time and procedural costs, and reinforces Abu Dhabi's appeal as a premier destination for living, investing, and resolving personal matters to international standards.
Key services offered by the Civil Family Court for foreigners include civil marriage contracts, pre-nuptial agreement notarization, no-fault civil divorce in a single session within 30 days with financial expertise for alimony calculations, automatic joint custody post-divorce, civil wills drafting and registration, and equal inheritance distribution among children.
Additionally, the Civil Family Court offers a complete suite of electronic services without requiring UAE residency, accessible to residents, tourists, and visitors, ensuring smooth and efficient legal processes for all clients.