Everything to Know About Interfaith Marriages in UAE

According to a legal consultant Dubai, UAE is renowned worldwide for welcoming many cultures. People from all races and religions coexist peacefully and contribute to the growth of a vibrant global culture. All religions are tolerated and generously supported by the UAE government.

If a non-Muslim couple marries at a temple, church, or Sikh gurdwara and the Community Development Authority of Dubai has consented, the marriage is recognized in Dubai. Interfaith marriages between non-Muslims typically occur in the couple's respective embassy or consulate. Lawyers who practice sharia law allow interfaith unions. Muslim immigrants and expatriate Emiratis can be married by Emiratis.

Mixed marriages are another name for interfaith unions. Interfaith or interreligious marriage refers to associations between adherents of various religions. Most interfaith marriages are civil unions performed at marriage courts or other appropriate locations within the respective embassies of the bride and the groom. Marriage may occasionally be acknowledged as a religious connection.

Are Interfaith Marriages Legalized in Dubai?

In Dubai, interfaith unions occur far more frequently than you may think. Even if you are not a Muslim, UAE courts allow interfaith marriages to be legally recognized. The procedures and laws, however, can change. To obtain legal recognition, you must know how to register an interreligious marriage in Dubai with a legal consultant Dubai.

In the United Arab Emirates, foreign nationals marry each other; some choose to have interfaith unions, while others opt to follow the customs and rituals of their particular religion. Both marriages are treated equally and not prohibited under UAE marriage law. The method for registering a wedding in the UAE, however, is based on the nationality and religion of the bride and husband.

Non-Muslims typically get married in the bride's or groom's respective country's embassy or house of worship. Non-Muslims (ex-pats) can get in touch with their embassy in Dubai or completely comprehend the interfaith marriage registration process. A marriage lawyer in Dubai can also assist you with registration and potential legal issues.

Interfaith relationships with Muslims can be challenging. A Muslim man may wed a non-Muslim woman in the United Arab Emirates as long as she practices Islam "according to the book." Islam defines "of the book" as including both Christianity and Judaism. If the bride practices a different religion, she might need to convert to wed a Muslim in the United Arab Emirates. But a non-Muslim man cannot marry a Muslim woman unless he converts to Islam.

Legal Necessities for Non-Muslims to Get Married in the UAE

• The other spouse must have legal authorization to remain in the UAE while the documents are being processed, and one of the parties must be a resident of the UAE.
• Both men and women may marry at a minimum age of 18, which is allowed. The age gap between the bride and groom cannot be more significant than twice that of their spouse. If any partners are under 18, action must be conducted with the Chief Justice of the Personal Status Court's approval. The couple's home country's laws must also be followed when determining the minimum age for marriage.
• Both couples must obtain premarital health exams and fitness certifications from a facility that has received government approval.
• Two males must witness the registration and ceremony. Depending on the bride and groom's nationality, it could differ.

Family Endorsement for Interfaith Marriages in the UAE

Parental clearance in Dubai will be based on the domestic laws of non-Muslim couples. However, if one of the couples is Muslim or Emirati, a consent letter from the bride's father or guardian if the father is deceased may be necessary.

On the other hand, the marriage laws of Abu Dhabi were modified in 2021 and take a considerably more permissive stance in this situation. It only applies, though, if neither partner is a Muslim. Articles 4 and 5 of Law No. 14 of 2021 governing personal status law for non-Muslims or citizens of a non-Muslim country apply to civil weddings in Abu Dhabi.

According to a legal consultant Dubai, there is no need for a premarital screening certificate or the consent of a father or guardian in Abu Dhabi when you file for a legal marriage with a legal consultant Dubai.

Guardianship and Child Custody under Interfaith Marriage in Dubai

The duty of being the child's primary custodian falls on the mother. The infant must be kept, raised, and cared for entirely by the mother. If a lady wants to keep her child with her, she must not remarry. However, if the mother remarries, the father may agree to let her keep custody of the child.

Once the child becomes 5, the father can apply for custody if the mother is not Muslim and the child is of the same religion as his father in the UAE. If the father is granted custody, he will have to designate a female carer to take care of the child.

The father is always the child's guardian in the UAE, according to Sharia law. He is responsible for keeping an eye on, defending, bringing up, instructing, and directing the youngster. The mother requires the father's consent to take the child outside of the UAE. If abducted without permission, the mother will be held legally responsible for the child.

Guardianship Law for Non-Muslims & Emigrants

In the UAE, there is no federal personal status law. Abu Dhabi did, however, establish a new personal status law for non-Muslims in 2021. It addresses civil unions, divorce, alimony, shared parental responsibility, guardianship, etc.

The Final Words

In the emirate of Dubai, interfaith marriages are legal. To get the finest advice on an interreligious wedding, speak with family lawyers in Dubai. If you're considering an interfaith wedding, it's essential to consult with family lawyers or other legal professionals in the UAE to get the best guidance. Additionally, you can read the article above, which contains all the details you need to know about interfaith unions.