UAE issues Arab World's first non-Muslim civil marriage contract to Canadian couple

United Arab Emirates (UAE) on Monday issued Arab World’s first civil marri license to a n-Muslim couple flipping -long personal status laws on marri and divorce that are based on Islamic Sharia principles. move comes as, in vember 2021, federation me a formal anuncement that n-muslims would be allowed to marry, divorce, and get joint child custody under civil law in Abu Dhabi in accordance with new decree issued by ruler Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan. UAE witnessed region’s first-ever ‘n-Muslim’ civil marri which was reportedly officiated by a court of Islamic country. Arab’s domestic news outlets reported that newly-wedded n-muslim couple are Canian nationals and ceremony was held via a video conference in accordance with rules set by law.

“ happy couple expressed ir thanks and gratitude for facilitating civil marri contract service in Emirate of Abu Dhabi, and expressed ir appreciation for efforts me both in terms of organisation, ease of application, and speed in concluding auntication procedures,” UAE’s Emirates News ncy (WAM) reported. “Civil marri registration service is w available on official website of Judicial Department, for both residents and visiting tourists. contracting and registration of marri is done remotely through video conferencing techlogy,” it ded.

n-Muslim wedding represents 'inclusivity'

WAM reported Yousef Saeed Al Abri, Undersecretary of Abu Dhabi Judicial Department (JD), as saying that n-muslim wedding was allowed by Islamic leership as it “supports ongoing development efforts of legislative and judicial system to ensure that it keeps pace with various developments and evolutions.” He n ded that rm thus “contributes to consolidation of Emirate of Abu Dhabi’s position as a world-leing destination for skills and expertise from around world.”

UAE upholds n-Muslim rights and civil principles, said Abri, and wedding reflects positive im and tolerance of UAE and Islamic religion. In Gulf state, overseas residents make approximately 90 percent of 10-million population, and UAE is w looking to be more inclusive and liberal for overseas travellers. Canian couple got married in Emirati capital of Abu Dhabi.