As of February 1, 2023, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) will be implementing reforms to the Federal Personal Status Law, affecting the legal system for non-Muslim expatriates concerning marriage, divorce, child custody, and inheritance.

The main purpose of these changes is to modernize the UAE legal system. The following are the details of these new reforms.

Civil Marriage Reforms in Dubai

The new law will regulate the conditions and procedures for marrying, allowing non-Muslim couples to legally wed in a non-Sharia process. To get married, both parties must be at least 21 years of age and fill out a declaration form in front of a judge.

This law has been in effect in Abu Dhabi since February 2022, and will now be implemented UAE-wide starting from February 2023.

Divorce Reforms in the UAE

Under the new decree, either spouse can initiate a divorce, without having to prove fault or justify the need for it. Divorces may be granted after a single hearing, without the need for family guidance counseling or mediation sessions.

If the divorcing couple has children, joint and equal custody will be granted until the children are 18 years old. In the event of custody disputes, the court can take further action while considering the best interests of the child or children.

Financial alimony will be determined based on factors such as the length of the marriage, the wife’s age, and the financial status of both partners, with a female’s testimony having equal value to a male’s.

Inheritance Reforms for non Muslim in Dubai

Non-Muslims can now register their wills at the same time as their marriage certificates, allowing them to dictate who will receive their property. In the absence of a will, 50 percent of the deceased’s estate will go to the spouse, while the other half will be equally distributed among any children. If there are no children, 50 percent will go to surviving parents or siblings.

Conclusion

The reforms to the UAE’s family law are significant steps towards modernizing the country’s legal system and providing greater protection and support for non-Muslim expatriates.

The changes to marriage, divorce, and inheritance laws aim to simplify the process and ensure fairness for all parties involved. These efforts demonstrate the UAE’s commitment to providing a more inclusive and progressive society for its citizens and residents.

If you’re in a GCC country, including Kuwait, and want to get married, we can help you with that. Just contact us and we’ll get everything sorted out for you.

Sharia marriage is quite common in many GCC countries and many expats find the civil marriage requirements to be hard to fulfill. But the UAE is one country that has easy civil wedding procedures. Since it is close by, expats from other GCC countries can marry there.

When they plan to use the UAE as their wedding destination, expats should also remember to prepare their documents. This article has condensed the list of documents so that couples from Kuwait and other countries can view them at a glance.

Principal documents for a wedding in the UAE

The most important documents that couples who wish to marry in the UAE should present before the court are:

• Passports
• Completed marriage application forms
• Death or divorce certificates to show that there is no existing marriage.
• Emirate’s ID if any of them possesses this.

Civil marriage in the UAE does not have the same requirements as Sharia marriage. For instance, there is no need for a premarital medical screening result. Also, consent from guardians is not mandatory.

The express wedding in Abu Dhabi happens within 24 hours so couples who seek a fast alternative can go for this. Couples should also take note that 18 years is the standard age for marriage and they should not be related by blood.

Final thoughts on the UAE marriage procedures

A civil wedding in the UAE is meant for all couples regardless of their ethnicity or religion. The marriage service offered by the UAE is an express and premium kind. When they conclude the marriage, the couple will receive their certificate which they can tender anywhere.

The UAE is a nice place to marry because the laws for civil marriage are easy to follow. Couples who desire a fast process will get everything done in no time.

If you desire a civil wedding in the UAE, book a consultation with our team of wedding experts. They offer premium guidance for all couples.

Taking part in a mass wedding in the UAE is the warmest way to welcome thousands of its young couples in one place. The gesture of peacefulness and calmness is aroused when they meet your Emirati brothers.It makes you happy to tie the knot in this charismatic environment and feel connected with each other. Except for the UAE nationals, no one can take part in this grand event. No worries at all!

People like Kuwaiti couples have tons of other alternatives and here you will find out what’s the best ones.

Marriage process in Kuwait

Although, a lot of paperwork will need to be filled out if you want to get married in Kuwait. But, still best for Kuwaiti citizens or Muslim expats since all the rules are based on Islamic regulations.

• Kuwaiti applicants must have a civil ID or a nationality certificate
• The resident applicant must possess a civil ID or a passport
• Personal identification and letter from the Executive Committee for illegal residents
• A determination of heirs is required for widow applicants
• For a student, dealer, retired, or unemployed husband, a letter from the Public Institution for Social Security is required
• Certification of divorce for the divorcee
• Special power of attorney
• Military spouses need a marriage permit from their employer

Final thoughts on the mass wedding and other alternatives

Wedding expenses help couples decide the best way to get married at their chosen destination. In some cases, couples have an urge to celebrate the most important day of life cost-effectively. Some feel comfortable arranging it in their hometown, but some love to look for an affordable place to marry. Georgia or Seychelles are the most apt location for these thoughts of people. Opting the online wedding in some scenarios when their loved ones settled in different countries and are unable to attend their marriages.

Share this article with someone who would like to know about his options of getting married as a Kuwait couple.

As per WHO Report, more than 7000 women died in Kuwait in 2008 due to unsafe abortion practices. Overall, Kuwait had more than 3 million unsafe abortions, or 20 unsafe abortions out of 100 live births.

In Kuwait, unsafe pregnancy abortions can lead to horrific consequences. There can be lifelong consequences for women who survive from the unsafe abortions. 

Rules to Follow of Strict Abortion Law in Kuwait

Except in extreme cases, abortion in Kuwait is strictly prohibited. Saving the life of the mother, caring for her mental health, caring for her physical health, or dealing with a known birth defect are all examples of these scenarios.

For any of the acceptable reasons a woman may have an abortion, she must be less than four months pregnant, and the abortion must take place in a state hospital. Three specialists under the supervision of a gynaecologist and obstetrician must approve an abortion before it can be carried out.

When a woman lives far from a state hospital, she must obtain a referral from her doctor. Afterwards, she must present her medical file and abortion request to the committee that will approve the procedure.

Abortions can only be legally performed in state hospitals in dire circumstances. In any case, the Ministry of Health must approve the hospital and the government must be informed about abortions.

Consequences of Violation of Abortion Law:

Kuwaiti law prohibits abortion after 17 weeks of pregnancy, except in cases of a mother’s illness (physical or mental) or fetal deformity/unviability. The reasons for sexual assault, incest, economic needs, and social needs are unworthy. The practice of abortion outside of the few allowed is criminalized and carries a sentence of 3 to 15 years in prison.

Final Verdict on What’s the Effective Solution For Pregnant Mothers?

Living in a country where abortion law is highly strict and lets your stress out. If your pregnancy becomes unexpected out of wedlock, you can marry in Georgia, Seychelles or online. Online weddings are best for those who can’t travel at this time. These are the easiest paths to follow and give you official validity of marriage within 2 weeks. 

If abortion is not a choice for you, book an appointment with us to assist you with marriage at the best destination places!