Abu Dhabi continues to strengthen its position as a global hub for progressive family law reforms, as the Civil Family Court recorded over 15,000 civil marriages of foreigners and 7600 Wills during the first nine months of 2025.
According to figures from the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department (ADJD), the court processed an average of 1,540 marriage applications per month, demonstrating growing trust among expatriates and visitors in the UAE’s modern legal system and its commitment to accessible, digital-first justice.
A Landmark for Civil Law in the Region
Established under Law No. 14 of 2021, the Abu Dhabi Civil Marriage Law allows non-Muslim couples regardless of nationality or religion — to marry under a civil framework based on international best practices.
This marks a historic shift from traditional Sharia-based personal status laws, offering a secular and inclusive alternative for foreigners and residents seeking equality and legal certainty in family matters.
The court’s services reflect the UAE’s broader vision to modernise personal law and make the legal system more transparent, accessible, and globally recognised.
This Article is a part of our How to Register a Will in UAE: Requirements and Procedures.
Legal Recognition and Accessibility
The Abu Dhabi Civil Marriage certificate is internationally recognised and legally binding across jurisdictions. The entire process from application to notarisation can be completed entirely online, eliminating the need for any in-person attendance.
Couples can apply from within the UAE or abroad, making Abu Dhabi’s civil marriage service one of the most convenient options globally for residents, expatriates, and even tourists.
This digital system is part of the court’s wider move to bring family and inheritance services online, including wills, divorce, and guardianship— all managed through secure bilingual (Arabic-English) platforms.
Civil Wills for Muslims and Non-Muslims
While the civil wills service was initially designed for non-Muslim residents, Abu Dhabi has now extended the option for Muslims to register wills under the Civil Family Court, provided their testamentary wishes align with civil law principles and do not conflict with public order.
This marks a significant step toward inclusive estate planning, enabling both Muslims and non-Muslims to secure their assets, appoint executors, and ensure their families are legally protected.
The digital civil wills platform allows complete online registration and notarisation, even for those living outside the UAE removing the traditional barriers of time, travel, and paperwork.
Whether for residents safeguarding UAE-based assets or investors with international estates, Abu Dhabi’s will registration service offers clarity, convenience, and legal enforceability under a unified system.
Child Guardianship and Family Protection
The Civil Family Court also oversees matters of child custody and guardianship under the same civil framework.
Parents can appoint legal guardians for their minor children through their wills, ensuring that, in the event of their death, guardianship passes smoothly to the designated individuals without lengthy court intervention.
This provision gives families especially expatriates with dependents in the UAE the ability to preserve family stability and continuity in line with international guardianship standards.
By formalising guardianship in a registered civil will, parents gain legal certainty and protection for their children’s future, all within the same digital legal ecosystem.
Global Confidence in UAE Legal Modernisation
With clients from over 120 nationalities, the Abu Dhabi Civil Family Court is fast becoming a global destination for cross-border family law and inheritance services.
Its fully digital, bilingual system and transparent legal framework reflect the UAE’s drive to balance efficiency, inclusivity, and international recognition.
By simplifying marriage, wills, divorce, and guardianship procedures into one integrated civil law model, Abu Dhabi is not only serving its residents better but also setting a new benchmark for modern family law in the Middle East.
A Future-Oriented Legal Model
Abu Dhabi’s record of 15,000 civil marriages and 7,600 civil wills within nine months of 2025 reflects more than statistical success it represents a transformative legal vision.
Through digital accessibility, equal treatment, and legal innovation, the Abu Dhabi Civil Family Court has become a symbol of modern governance, ensuring that family rights, asset protection, and personal choices are respected across cultures and jurisdictions.
