Abu Dhabi to allow non-Muslim civil marriage under family law overhaul
Abu Dhabi will allow non-Muslims to marry, divorce, and get joint child custody under civil law, according to a new decree issued Sunday, state news agency WAM said.
Personal status laws on marriage and divorce in the United Arab Emirates had been based on Islamic sharia principles. The decree marks the latest step by the United Arab Emirates to maintain its competitive edge as a regional commercial hub.
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The decree by Abu Dhabi's ruler Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahayan, who is also president of the UAE federation of seven emirates, said the law covers civil marriage, divorce, alimony, joint child custody and proof of paternity, and inheritance.
It aims to "enhance the position and global competitiveness of the emirate as one of the most attractive destinations for talent and skills", WAM said.
The report described the civil law regulating non-Muslim family matters as being the first of its kind in the world "in line with international best practices".
A new court to handle non-Muslim family matters will be set up in Abu Dhabi and will operate in both English and Arabic.
Last year, the UAE introduced a number of legal changes at the federal level, including decriminalising premarital sexual relations and alcohol consumption, and cancelling provisions for leniency when dealing with so-called "honour killings".
These reforms have been seen as a way for the Gulf state to make itself more attractive for foreign investment, tourism and long-term residency.
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