The city’s Civil Family Court has seen a dramatic rise in civil marriage applications, with an average daily of 70 new regular and express requests. This surge has pushed the total number of applications since the introduction of Abu Dhabi Law No. 14 of 2021 to a staggering 26,000.
Over 8,000 marriage applications were filed in just the first half of 2024, highlighting the growing popularity of Abu Dhabi’s express marriage service. This service allows couples to say “I do” on the very same day they submit their application, a feature introduced to cater to the influx of international tourists seeking quick and convenient civil marriages.
Counselor Yousef Saeed Al Abri, Undersecretary of the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department, emphasized that the court’s commitment to evolving into a global model aligns with the vision of Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan. The focus is on providing innovative and efficient judicial services that enhance Abu Dhabi’s global competitiveness.
The Abu Dhabi Courts offer a range of electronic services, including case registration and court hearings, in both Arabic and English, making legal proceedings accessible without linguistic barriers. Additionally, the newly established English-Notary Services Bureau provides notary public services in English, further simplifying the process for international clients.
The court has also seen a significant increase in remote civil will registrations, with 2,500 wills registered in the first half of 2024 alone, up 200% from the previous year. Total civil wills for foreigners now stand at 5,700.
Divorce proceedings have been streamlined as well, with 205 no-fault divorce cases registered since January 2024, bringing the total to 590 since the law’s inception. Foreigners can now obtain a divorce from the first session with no need to justify the breakdown of the marriage. The court also grants joint custody of children with each divorce decree.
Inheritance cases have also increased, with 90 civil inheritance cases heard in the first half of 2024, bringing the total to 360. The law ensures equitable distribution of estates, regardless of gender, with the spouse receiving half of the deceased’s wealth and the remainder divided among the children.
