Are interfaith marriages in the Emirate of Dubai legal?

We are all aware that more foreigners have visited Dubai in recent years. The UAE’s economic expansion, which provides improved living conditions and possibilities, is the primary cause. Additionally, the presence of immigrants from many ethnicities and religions has increased the number of interfaith partnerships. Therefore, if you find yourself in the same predicament, you must be searching for a way to wed someone who does not share your religious beliefs. You’ve come to the perfect site if you want to learn more about interfaith marriages law in the UAE.

Dubai and the UAE are well known worldwide for welcoming different cultures from around the world, where people of all ethnicities and religions live. People of many faiths call it home because of its thriving multicultural culture. All religions are accepted and treated kindly by the UAE’s government.

What are interfaith marriages?

Interfaith marriage, sometimes known as a “mixed marriage,” is a union of two people of different faiths. Interfaith unions may occasionally be recognized as religious unions, even if they are often recognized as civil unions. It depends on the tenets of the two parties’ respective religions; some forbid interfaith unions, while others have varying degrees of tolerance.

Do the laws permit Interfaith Marriages in the Emirate of Dubai?

A Muslim man is permitted to wed a non-Muslim lady as long as she is “of the book” according to Islamic law. It implies that faiths like Christianity and Judaism are tolerated. If the lady is not “of the book,” she must convert to Islam for the marriage to be recognized as legal. However, a non-Muslim man cannot wed a Muslim lady unless he converts to the faith.

You should know: Getting Married in Dubai: What are Legal Requirements for Expatriates

Recognition of Non-Muslim weddings in Dubai

Non-Muslim weddings in Dubai are recognized if they occur at places of worship with the Community Development Authority of Dubai’s approval, such as churches, Hindu temples, or Sikh temples. Furthermore, non-Muslim interfaith weddings are typically conducted in the embassy or consulate of the bridegroom or the groom.

The Personal Status Court of Dubai (the “Court”) performs marriages between people who are Muslims by faith.

Do interfaith marriages require my family’s approval before I do get married?

The common belief across most religions is that your family must approve of your interfaith union. But in terms of Islam, marriage is impossible without this. Specifically for the Muslim bride, this implies that a legal representative, typically the father or Guardian, must be present.

Another choice is to be married in a location where laws about what is required for marriage are less stringent. Countries like Georgia are ideal for anyone who wishes to marry the perfect partner since obstacles like religion would not be a problem. Don’t hesitate to contact us if you need any assistance because we have assisted many individuals in solving this problem.

You need to know: Inheritance rule applicable to the non-Muslim expats in UAE

Can an Emirati wed someone from abroad?

Sharia law permits marriage between people of various religions. UAE nationals can marry foreigners or UAE citizens living abroad in addition to those who have moved there and become residents.

Interfaith Marriage requirements in Dubai

When weddings are performed following Islamic law:

  • At least one of the partners must possess a current UAE residency visa.
  • The bride’s father (or his attorney) or Guardian must go with the couple to the Marriage Section of the Dubai Court, along with:
  • two male Muslim witnesses,
  • their passports and copies of them,
  • copies of their identification documents,
  • the father’s or guardian’s identification documents, and
  • Any necessary documentation for divorce or the death of a former spouse.
  • It should be mentioned that if the prospective bride is a Muslim and her father is not a Muslim, she must present a letter of approval in Arabic, verified by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, to bring to the wedding.

You may want to know: Everything you need to know about Mixed Marriages in the UAE

Guardian ship and Child Custody under Interfaith Marriage in Dubai UAE

When there is a breakdown in a mixed marriage, it is crucial to consider the effects on the children. The Federal Law No. 28 of 2005 regarding Personal Status, which is based on Sharia law, deals with custody-related concerns under Articles 142 through 158. A child’s mother is the custodian and is in charge of keeping, raising, and caring for the child. After a divorce, if the woman wants the child to stay with her, she can’t be married again without the father’s specific permission so that she can keep custody of the kids if she does.

Regarding religion, the mother and the kid must also be united. When the father is a Muslim and the mother is not, Islam holds that the kid belongs to the same faith as the father. So, at the age of five, a Muslim father (where the mother has not converted) may ask for custody of the kid, but if he receives it, he must find a suitable female caretaker to look after the child.

Guardianship

It’s also critical to be aware that, according to Sharia Law, the father is always the child’s Guardian, with responsibilities for watching, defending, raising, teaching, and guiding the child’s life. The father’s permission is required if the mother wants to take the kid outside the UAE. Kid abduction may occur if the mother takes the child outside the nation without the father’s agreement.

Souzan El Kayaji Legal Consultancy family lawyers in Dubai

Interfaith marriages in the emirate of Dubai are thus legal. To receive the best advice on your mixed-religion wedding, it would be a good idea for you to see family lawyers in Dubai. For those considering a mixed-religion wedding, it is essential to contact family lawyers or legal professionals in your country of residence to receive the best guidance on what to do.

If you get in touch with us, you may legally wed someone in Dubai even if your religions differ. You may look through our blog to discover more related articles.