Civil Marriage Contracts In Abu Dhabi Reach 43,000 Amid Growing Demand From Foreigners

The Abu Dhabi Judicial Department reported a significant rise in civil marriage applications by foreigners, with over 10,000 submissions 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. Since Law No. 14 of 2021 was introduced, there have been 43,000 registered civil marriage contracts in Abu Dhabi.

According to Counselor Yousef Saeed Al Abri, Undersecretary of the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department, the increasing demand for civil marriage services among foreigners highlights the exceptional quality and distinctiveness of this service in the Middle East. This trend aligns with Abu Dhabi's commitment to providing innovative judicial services that support its broader developmental goals and enhance its global competitiveness.

The establishment of the region’s first civil personal status court dedicated to foreigners has positioned Abu Dhabi as a preferred destination for civil marriage services. The availability of services in both Arabic and English has been crucial in simplifying legal procedures for non-Arabic speakers. Counselor Al Abri emphasized that this development marked a significant milestone for the emirate.

The Civil Family Court's statistical report reveals substantial growth in registered civil marriages over less than three years. Numbers increased from about 5,400 in 2022 to more than 16,000 by 2024, with 10,000 recorded just in the first half of 2025. This growth underscores Abu Dhabi's success in creating a modern legislative environment that caters to family needs while supporting economic objectives.

The advanced model of the Civil Family Court represents a transformative step within the regional judicial system. It allows foreigners to complete legal proceedings transparently and understand each stage of litigation fully. This reflects Abu Dhabi’s dedication to inclusive justice principles and enhances its reputation as a hub for tolerance and cultural diversity.

The Court offers a comprehensive judicial experience from application submission to judgment issuance in both Arabic and English. This approach boosts client confidence, reduces time and procedural costs, and reinforces Abu Dhabi’s appeal as a premier destination for living, investing, and resolving personal matters according to international standards.

Key Services Enhancing Legal Processes

Key services provided by the Civil Family Court include civil marriage contracts, pre-nuptial agreement notarisation, no-fault civil divorce within 30 days with financial expert assistance for alimony calculations, automatic joint custody ensuring equal parental rights post-divorce, civil wills drafting and registration, and equal inheritance distribution among children.

Additionally, the Civil Family Court offers a full suite of electronic services without requiring UAE residency. These services are accessible to residents, tourists, and visitors alike, ensuring smooth and efficient legal processes for all clients.

This remarkable growth demonstrates Abu Dhabi’s success in creating a modern legislative environment that meets family needs while supporting economic objectives. It further cements Abu Dhabi’s reputation as a hub for tolerance and cultural diversity, attracting talent from around the world.

With inputs from WAM