Sri Krishna
The Abu Dhabi Judicial Department (AD|D) has experienced a significant rise in civil marriage applications since the implementation of Law No. 14 of 2021 on Civil Marriage and its Effects in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. Over 10,000 applications have been registered, averaging at a rate of 40 applications per day. This remarkable statistic indicates the growing popularity of civil marriages among foreigners in Abu Dhabi.
Yousef Saeed Alabri, the Undersecretary of the Judicial Department, highlighted the efficiency of the Abu Dhabi Civil Family Court for Foreigners in handling these applications. With an impressive rate of 4 civil marriage files processed per working hour, the court has proven its commitment to providing a streamlined and accessible judicial system. Alabri further explained that the introduction of the “express” civil marriage service has significantly contributed to this efficiency. This service enables couples to complete their marriage process within just 24 hours, catering to the needs of the large number of tourists visiting Abu Dhabi to contract civil marriages.
The success of the Abu Dhabi Civil Family Court for Foreigners can be attributed to the visionary aspirations of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the UAE President, and the directives of Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the UAE Vice-President, Deputy Prime Minister, and Minister of the Presidential Court. Their support and guidance have led to the development of a leading judicial system that enhances the competitive position of the Emirate.
One of the key factors that sets the Abu Dhabi courts apart is their commitment to excellence in providing judicial services electronically. From the registration of applications to the completion of proceedings and attendance at hearings, the courts operate as paperless electronic systems. Moreover, the Abu Dhabi Civil Family Court for Foreigners stands out as the only bilingual court in the Arab region. By offering forms and judgments in both Arabic and English, the court ensures that foreigners can easily understand the litigation procedures without facing any language barriers. This approach simplifies the understanding of court decisions in civil cases, safeguarding the rights of foreigners in Abu Dhabi.
The Civil Family Court for Foreigners offers a comprehensive range of services to both tourists and residents of all nationalities. These services include civil marriage, no-fault civil divorce, joint custody of children, civil wills and inheritance, and the establishment of proof of parentage. The court’s dedication to providing accessible and efficient services has earned it recognition as a pioneering model for civil family courts.
The surge in civil marriage applications and the success of the Abu Dhabi Civil Family Court for Foreigners reflects the Emirate’s commitment to modernizing its judicial system and ensuring the satisfaction of both locals and foreigners. With its electronic platforms, bilingual support, and diverse range of services, Abu Dhabi continues to strengthen its position as an attractive destination for civil marriages, contributing to the overall growth and development of the Emirate.
