Abu Dhabi has seen a significant increase in marriage applications in the first half of 2024, with over 8,000 applications received by the Abu Dhabi Civil Family Court. Since the implementation of Law No. 14 of 2021, there have been a total of 26,000 civil marriage applications filed for couples of diverse backgrounds. The court has also introduced an ‘express civil marriage’ service, allowing couples to have their marriage ceremony on the same day as their application, as well as the English-Notary Services Bureau for notary public services in English.
The Abu Dhabi Courts offer services and procedures in both Arabic and English to cater to foreigners and eliminate linguistic barriers. This includes services such as civil marriage, no-fault divorce, joint custody of children, and inheritance cases. In addition, the courts provide end-to-end electronic court services, allowing for the registration of cases and conducting court hearings online. The court’s efforts aim to provide comprehensive and integrated services for all individuals seeking legal assistance.
During the first half of 2024, the Abu Dhabi Civil Family Court has also registered over 2,500 civil wills remotely, marking a significant increase compared to the previous year. This brings the total number of civil wills for foreigners registered in Abu Dhabi to 5,700. The process to register a will is entirely remote, allowing individuals from anywhere in the world to register their will without the need to physically visit the court. Additionally, there have been 205 no-fault divorce cases registered since January 2024, with 590 divorce requests received since the law came into effect.
Foreigners in Abu Dhabi are now able to divorce from the first session with the judge without having to provide detailed explanations for the marriage breakdown. The divorce process is conducted in English by a team of qualified foreign lawyers, and the ruling is provided in both Arabic and English. Following a divorce decree, the court grants immediate joint custody of the children to both parents. Furthermore, the court has heard 90 civil inheritance cases, totaling 360 inheritance cases, where the estate is distributed to foreigners without gender bias and the spouse is entitled to half of the deceased’s wealth.
In conclusion, Abu Dhabi has been experiencing a surge in legal procedures related to marriages, divorces, and inheritance cases among foreigners. The introduction of Law No. 14 of 2021 has streamlined the process for civil marriages and divorces, with the courts offering services in both Arabic and English to cater to a diverse population. The increase in applications for civil wills and the remote registration process demonstrate the courts’ efforts to provide convenient and accessible legal services. Overall, Abu Dhabi continues to strive towards enhancing the legal system and ensuring that all individuals have access to justice in a transparent and efficient manner.
