Getting married in the UAE is set to become more convenient with the introduction of a new digital service that allows couples to apply for a marriage certificate and sign the contract remotely, the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department (ADJD) announced at Gitex Global 2023.
The cutting-edge service, showcased in Dubai, permits residents to streamline their marriage process. From the initial application of the marriage contract to receiving approvals and finalizing payment procedures, everything can be executed online.
One significant feature is the ability to book an appointment to sign the marriage contract remotely via video-conference technology, a move designed to enhance convenience for future spouses without compromising legal processes.
The ADJD has emphasized the legal efficacy of this digital approach, noting that the final marriage contract document will be received electronically and the digital signatures of both parties will be as legally binding as traditional methods.
This initiative is part of a broader strategy to leverage digital technologies in improving government services, enhancing global competitiveness, and aligning with the government’s vision, the department expressed.
“The digital transformation has fundamentally changed the judicial work system in Abu Dhabi,” stated Counsellor Yousef Saeed Al Abri, ADJD undersecretary, reflecting on the directions of Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE Vice-President, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of the Presidential Court, and Chairman of ADJD.
Prospective couples looking to utilize this digital service must use the UAE Pass. The process begins with an electronic application for the marriage contract, followed by an online approval and payment procedure. Couples will then set an appointment through WebEx for a video conference to sign the contract. The final step involves waiting to receive the electronic marriage contract, complete with the legally binding digital signatures of both parties.