Emirate of Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi is the most progressive and modern capital of the UAE. Situated in the heart of the Middle East, it is home to Emiratis as well as Non-Emiratis. Expatriates or non-Muslims make almost 80 percent of the total population. The city has been committed to developing its solid legal framework. The main motive is to accommodate a large number of expatriates or non-Emiratis who call Abu Dhabi their home. The city is renowned its multicultural population and diversity. Sharia principles are applied to Emiratis and Muslims in the city. Therefore, it was high time to accommodate the expatriates and non-Muslims to give them homely feelings.
Development of legal framework for Non-Muslims
Over a long time, Emirate has been working on developing the legal framework. The aim is to address the personal matters of non-Muslims. The groundbreaking initiative in family law was taken in the year 2021. The city introduced a progressive, and family-friendly law for non-Muslim couples living here. A clear, sound and concise legal structure was formed for family laws for non-Muslims. It covers the areas of family law including marriage, divorce, child custody, alimony, and so forth.
Marriage between Non-Muslims Couples
Marriage between a Non-Muslim couple is made easier and simpler in Abu Dhabi. Now the non-Muslim couples in Emirate of Abu Dhabi can be made official under the provision of civil law. Now they don’t need to follow the orthodox sharia law. The main feature of family law for non-Muslims is to give them equal rights in Abu Dhabi. However, there are certain specifications for the non-Muslim marriage in Abu Dhabi. These requirements must be met before marrying in the city. The non-Muslims couples in Abu Dhabi should meet the following specification that includes:
- Both spouses must be at the age of 18 to qualify for marriage. The men’s and women’s consent is compulsory for the marriage to be solemnized. Both parties must freely marry. Both parties should not be married before. Anyone married before with the change of specifications.
- Identification validity is essential for both parties. They must submit their passports, and Emirates Identification cards ID for the non-Muslim couple marriage.
- There is a need for proof of no impediment to the marriage. For instance, a certificate of single status or a divorce certification in case any individual was previously married.
- Registration of non-Muslim couples’ marriages is important. The Civil Marriage Registration for non-Muslim couples in Abu Dhabi is done through the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department (ADJD).
- Process of marriage registration is initiated by submitting the online application. The application is filed with Abu Dhabi Judicial Department (ADJD) portal.
- It is Mandatory for the non-Muslim couple in Abu Dhabi to attend the marriage. Both spouses must sign the marriage contract. As a result, the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department (ADJD) will issue a civil marriage certificate.
Advantages of Civil Marriages
There are numerous advantages attached to civil marriage for non-Muslim couples in Abu Dhabi. This ensures that both parties collaborate on the decision of marriage. Furthermore, the efforts of Abu Dhabi have simplified and streamlined the process of marriage.
Aligned with Global Standards
This practice is aligned with the international best standards that have helped Abu Dhabi earn international recognition. Now the civil marriage certification is issued within the city that is valid, legitimated, and recognized globally. It encourages the elimination of the need for religious documentation and procedure. The civil marriage System advocates for equal treatment of both parties.
Men and Women are given equal rights
The men and women are given equal rights in marriage and divorce proceedings. Under the family law for non-Muslims, a clause is added that there is no fault in divorce. This allows the non-Muslim couple to seek divorce without submitting the reasons and causes for divorce. Without any blame game, they can amicably separate. Therefore, the family law for non-Muslim couples allows them the ability to file for no-fault divorce. Family lawyers in Abu Dhabi can throw the light in details, as per Law.
Child Custody
Besides, child custody cases are dealt with according to the best international practices. In this, the concept of joint child custody arrangement is introduced. This is done with the aim of prioritizing the well-being of the children. This allows the interests of the children to remain at the topmost priority. Additionally, for Muslim couples, the distribution of wealth takes place according to the sharia principles. For non-Muslim couples in Abu Dhabi, the procedure has been simplified.
Inheritance rules are relatively easy and straightforward for non-Muslim couples which aim to accommodate the expatriate community in Abu Dhabi. The family law for non-Muslims is designed in a way to ensure fairness and justice for all irrespective of gender. This encourages equality for everyone in personal Family matters. The laws are applicable to non-Muslim residents and visitors in Abu Dhabi.
However, this is termed as a secular move of Abu Dhabi concerning the family laws. The laws are distinct from the Sharia laws that are applicable to the Muslims in the community.
In addition, the Divorce for Non-Muslims couples in Abu Dhabi is also simplified just like marriage and child custody arrangements. The non-Muslim couples can seek divorce on a modern and streamlined approach rather than sharia principles. The no-fault divorce is the lucrative option available. Non-Muslim couples can file for non-fault divorce provisions in modern-day Abu Dhabi. They don’t need to provide the reasoning, fault, or misconduct by anyone to end a marriage.
There are specific steps for non-Muslim couples to Divorce. They must follow the Process to seek divorce in the Emirate. The non-Muslim couple in Abu Dhabi can file a petition for divorce. Any of the spouses is free to file for divorce via the ADJD portal. It can be done online by simply stating the irresponsible difference between the two.
Following this, the court process will begin. In case both parties agree the Abu Dhabi court will issue the divorce decree. They will not require lengthy court appearances and court hearings to grant divorce. This law has reduced the emotional drain and stress over the couple in case of a divorce. The efforts are dedicated to minimizing the conflicts between the two parties. Besides, it also focuses on fairness and transparency. The emphasis is laid upon the fairness of offering a no-fault divorce option for couples.
