Dubai is a vibrant and cosmopolitan city located in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Renowned for its modern architecture, luxurious lifestyle, and diverse cultural offerings, Dubai has quickly become a top destination for travelers and businesspeople from around the world. From its awe-inspiring skyscrapers to its pristine beaches and vast desert landscapes, Dubai offers a unique blend of traditional Arabian charm and futuristic marvels.
Many foreigners choose to reside in Dubai for various reasons. Some of the main factors that attract expatriates to Dubai include:
- Job Opportunities.
- Tax-Free Income.
- High Standard of Living.
- Safety and Security.
- Cultural Diversity.
- Excellent Education and Healthcare.
- Modern Infrastructure.
As of the knowledge cutoff in September 2022, the percentage of expatriates in Dubai’s total population was around 89%, with nationals (Emiratis) making up the remaining 11%.
Many foreign nationals reside in Dubai on a permanent basis and face certain challenges. This applies to climatic conditions, religious and cultural differences as well as local legislation.
Although the UAE and Dubai strive to attract as many talented expats and tourists as possible, the kingdom’s internal way of life remains far from democratic and Western-like. Many areas of life, including relations between men and women, are still strictly controlled by religion and these rules apply not only to the country’s citizens but also to its visitors.
Can unmarried couples live together in Dubai in 2023?
Recently, unmarried couples faced restrictions and could not stay together in the UAE according to the law. Although some hotels were able to accommodate such couples in the same room, they still often faced misunderstanding and judgment. In other cases, they had to rent two separate rooms or apartments. However, in November 2020, the country’s government passed a change that allowed not only unmarried couples but also unrelated friends to stay together.
United Arab Emirates media reported that, in practice, many unmarried expatriates were already living in Dubai without being prosecuted for breaking the rules. However, the adoption of the new law has legalized such cohabitation and made it more comfortable for couples and friends who are officially unmarried to stay in the UAE.
Nevertheless, it is worth bearing in mind that cohabitation in a rented apartment is only possible with the consent of the owner. This is governed by RERA regulations, which cover all the details of renting apartments and villas in Dubai. Couples who do not want to face the possible consequences should always coordinate their stay with the landlord, otherwise, there is a risk of violating the lease agreement.
Family law in Dubai
As of February 1, 2023, the new civil and family court system that previously operated in Abu Dhabi has been extended to the entire United Arab Emirates, including Dubai. This means that non-Muslim couples will be able to divorce and marry through a non-Sharia court process, an important step in simplifying the registration of marriages.
The reforms introduced in the Federal Law for expatriate non-Muslims address key family issues such as marriage, divorce, inheritance, and child custody. Most notably, these changes grant equal rights to men and women in dealing with these issues.
Previously, non-Muslim couples facing divorce in the local court were subjected to a Shariah-based procedure, which differs significantly from the processes adopted in non-Muslim countries. However, they will now be able to marry based on the will of both parties, and the consent of the wife’s father or guardian is not required.
Among the important changes, the requirement for several Muslim men to be present as witnesses when registering a marriage has also been abolished. Couples will now be able to file for divorce without having to prove the fault of either party. Divorce can be approved at the first hearing, without the need for family counseling sessions or mandatory mediation. Also, alimony and other financial requests can be applied for using a form on a post-divorce website.
These progressive changes in the court system make the marriage and divorce registration process more accessible and convenient for foreign nationals and give them more freedom and options in settling family matters in the UAE.
What are the alternatives to marriage in Dubai for foreigners?
Despite the fact that the UAE authorities are striving to reform the legislation and make life in the Emirates more attractive for foreigners, they have only just begun this journey and it is far from over.
Getting married in Dubai is still quite a complicated bureaucratic process that takes quite a bit of time and effort. That is why, many couples still prefer to look for faster ways to register their marriage.
A popular destination for a wedding is Georgia. It attracts many sweethearts not only for its delightful localities, which contrast particularly sharply with the deserted Arab Emirates. But also the low cost of all wedding services, as well as the opportunity to get married in minimal time.
«Shu Wedding» Agency offers Emiratis and local expats the opportunity to get married in 24 hours or have a lavish wedding with an offsite ceremony from $2,450. Contact us today and we’ll make sure you become legally husband and wife as soon as possible!