We are all aware that more foreigners have been traveling to Dubai lately. The main reason is the UAE’s economic growth, which offers better opportunities and living conditions. Furthermore, the influx of immigrants from many racial and religious backgrounds has boosted the frequency of interfaith relationships. You must thus be looking for a way to marry someone who does not share your religious beliefs if you find yourself in the same situation. If you’re interested in finding out more about Dubai’s laws governing interfaith weddings, you’ve come to the right place.
People of diverse races and religions reside in Dubai and the UAE, which are widely known internationally for accommodating different cultures from around the world. Because of the vibrant international culture there, people of various faiths call it home. The administration of the United Arab Emirates respects and accepts all religions.
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What exactly are marriages between people of different faiths?
A “mixed marriage,” also referred to as interfaith marriage, unites two persons of various religions. Even though they are frequently acknowledged as civil unions, interfaith partnerships may occasionally be accepted as religious unions. Depending on the beliefs of the two parties respective religions, it may be prohibited while others may be tolerated to varying degrees.
Are Interfaith Marriages Legal in the Emirate of Dubai?
As long as she is “of the book,” according to Islamic law, a Muslim man is allowed to marry a non-Muslim woman. It suggests that religions like Judaism and Christianity are accepted. If the woman is not “of the book,” she must become Muslim for the union to be accepted as valid. A non-Muslim male, however, is not permitted to marry a Muslim woman without first converting to Islam.
Non-Muslim weddings are acknowledged in Dubai
If a non-Muslim marriage takes place in a church, a Hindu temple, or a Sikh temple with the sanction of the Community Development Authority of Dubai, it is recognized in Dubai. Additionally, non-Muslim interfaith marriages are frequently performed in the bridegroom’s or the groom’s embassy or consulate.
Marriage ceremonies between individuals who are Muslims by faith are performed by the Personal Status Court of Dubai (the “Court”).
Do I need my family’s permission before being married in an interfaith relationship?
The majority of religions share the common concept that your family must consent to your interfaith union. But without this, marriage is not permitted in Islam. This indicates that a legal representation, usually the father or Guardian, must be present, specifically for the Muslim bride.
Another option is to be married in a place with less restrictive rules about what is necessary for marriage. People who want to find the perfect mate for marriage should live in a country like Georgia because there are no religious barriers to overcome there. Please don’t be hesitant to get in touch with us if you need any help, as we have helped a lot of people find solutions to similar issues.
Requirements for Interfaith Marriage in Dubai
When marriages are conducted in accordance with Islamic law:
- 1-A valid UAE resident visa must be held by at least one of the partners.
- 2-To the Marriage Section of the Dubai Court, the bride’s father (or his attorney) or Guardian must accompany the pair, along with:
- 3-two Muslim men witnesses
- 4-Their passports, along with copies,
- 5-copy of their identifying paperwork,
- 6-identification cards for the father or guardian
- 6-Any required paperwork for a divorce or the passing of a former spouse.
- 7-It should be noted that the prospective bride must submit an Arabic letter of approval, approved by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, to bring to the wedding if she is a Muslim and her father is not.
Guardianship and Parental Responsibility in Dubai’s Interfaith Marriage
The impact on the children of a failed mixed marriage must be taken into account. Articles 142 through 158 of Federal Law No. 28 of 2005 regarding Personal Status, which is based on Sharia law, address issues relating to custody. As the kid’s custodian, the mother is responsible for keeping, rearing, and caring for the child. If a woman wants to keep custody of her children after a divorce, she cannot get married again without the father’s express consent in order to do so.
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The mother and child must also be on the same page in terms of faith. Islam maintains that the child belongs to the same faith as the father even if the mother is not a Muslim. Therefore, a Muslim father (where the mother has not converted) may request custody of the child at the age of five. If he succeeds, however, he will need to find an appropriate female caregiver to take care of the child.
Guardianship
The father is always the child’s Guardian, according to Sharia Law, and is responsible for keeping an eye on, defending, rearing, teaching, and directing the child’s life. If the mother wishes to take the child outside of the UAE, she must obtain the father’s consent. If the mother moves the child outside of the country without the father’s consent, it may be considered kidnapping.
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Thus, interfaith marriages are permitted in the emirate of Dubai. You should consult family lawyers in Dubai to get the best guidance on your multi-religious wedding. It is crucial to speak with family lawyers in Dubai or other legal experts in your country of residence if you’re thinking about having a mixed-religion wedding in order to get the best advice on what to do.
