Marriage laws in countries differ from each other, depending on the country’s culture and religion. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has a multi-dynamic approach towards marriage. It directs Muslims and non-Muslims to validate marriage anywhere they want to. The Muslims have to follow the Sharia Principles for marriage, whereas, the non-Muslims will follow civil laws regarding marriage.
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Non-Muslim Marriages in Sharjah
Previously, the marriage laws were difficult to understand for the non-Muslims. They would need to solemnise their marriage by visiting the embassies of their countries. As the UAE’s legal landscape has transformed over the years, it has focused on the marriage laws for the non-Muslims. Under Civil Personal Status, the non-Muslims can now get married or divorced without visiting embassies for validation. However, Abu Dhabi was the first emirate to implement the law and then Sharjah followed the same laws.
Eligibility Criteria for Civil Marriage
The criteria for non-Muslim marriage ensures accountability and transparency throughout the process. Both parties must be 21 years old or older. They shall give their consent to get married, otherwise the marriage ceremony is not conducted. Both of them shall be single, widowed, or divorced. The legal document shall be shared as proof of their legal marital status. The non-Muslims cannot get married due to their close blood relations. However, one of them should have a UAE residency visa.
Documents Required for Marriage
The marriage is processed with clear documents including; valid passports, Emirates IDs, birth certificates, proof of previous marital status, and a medical certificate. A No Objection Certificate (NOC) shall be presented if one of the parties is getting married in a different religion or nationality.
Marriage Procedure in Sharjah
The marriage procedure for non-Muslims is streamlined with civil law. The marriage application is submitted in the civil courts of Sharjah, accompanied by the required documents. After the documents are verified, the date of the marriage ceremony is set as per the availability of both parties. The marriage ceremony happens in the presence of a civil official. They can invite guests or create memories within the UAE laws. Once the ceremony is conducted, the marriage certificate is issued to both parties, ensuring legal compliance and validating the marriage.
READ MORE Marriage Laws for Non-Muslims in Sharjah: A Comprehensive Guide
Considerations for Interfaith Marriages
The UAE has a multi-dynamic population and interfaith marriages are possible. It means that Muslims and non-Muslims can get married. However, there are specific rules to follow:
- Muslim Men and Non-Muslim Women: Muslim men can get married to non-Muslim women as per the Sharia law. They can get married to the ‘People of the Book’ (Christians and Jews).
- Muslim Women and Non-Muslim Men: The Muslim women are not allowed to marry to non-Muslim men. Therefore, men have to convert to Islam if they want to marry Muslim women.
Marriage is crucial in the UAE. Hiring marriage lawyers can guide you better to get married.
Role of Embassies and Consulates
The non-Muslims can get married through their embassies and consulates. However, they may have different requirements, but they have compliance with UAE marriage laws. Therefore, it is advised to register the marriage with the UAE local authorities. In both cases, the marriage is validated.
Post-Marriage Legalities
The married couple has to follow the guidelines in the UAE. The marriage certificate issued in the UAE is in the Arabic language. Therefore, the document has to be translated into English or their local language. Further, the spouse can sponsor a residency visa if they comply with the financial requirement and prove to provide a standard accommodation to their spouse. It is not necessary to change the surname after marriage, but if they wish to do so, the lawyers in Sharjah shall be hired. The assets shall be distributed as per their choice; hence, a will shall be drafted, otherwise Sharia principle is applied.
Divorce and Separation in the UAE
The non-Muslims will have to manage divorce differently. They will have to file the divorce in the civil court. However, the rights of both parties are protected. The disputes happen when alimony and child custody are discussed. Based on civil laws, the decision for alimony, child support, and custody is taken by the courts. At this stage, none of the parties can use religion to resolve the matter.
