Getting married in Qatar is quite conflicting for GCC expats and people of different nationalities. Women’s rights are complicated and conflicting in Qatar. The law does not treat women rightly while dealing with divorce, marriage, inheritance, custody of children, and professional matters.

On the other hand, Abu Dhabi with its new laws is quickly turning out to be one of the best wedding destinations for non-residents and expats who cannot marry in other corners. In this article; we shed light on Abu Dhabi marriages and the flipside of a wedding in Qatar.

Why Abu Dhabi over Qatar?

A woman can marry in Qatar only when her father approves the marriage before two male witnesses. In addition, marriage between biological relatives has been a prevalent custom in Qatar.

Qatar Government does not allow civil marriages for non-Muslims. Therefore, non-Muslims of different nationalities and individuals from Gulf countries find it difficult to marry in Qatar. Due to the predominance of Sharia law, Qatar Government only approves Islamic religious marriages.

One can opt for any of the two choices to marry their loved ones legally. Firstly, Non-Muslims can marry under civil law in Abu Dhabi, and, secondly, individuals from different nationalities can tie wedding knots in Georgia and Seychelles without any hassle.

Abu Dhabi Marriage Legal procedures

Abu Dhabi Government passed its new secular family law in November 2021 to allow Non-Muslims (Non-residents and expats) to marry through legal procedures. Individuals from foreign countries can submit marriage applications to the Abu Dhabi judicial department. The court provides the prospective couple with a marriage date when the couple will visit the court and sign the marriage paper. The couple receives a stamped registered marriage certificate from the court on the same day.

Getting a discount on your wedding plans

Negations is key if you are on a budget and planning your big day. However not always discount is the ideal way to go. Some agencies might charge you a premium price for their service; and that’s ok. The big question to ask is; will I be able to get married hassle free.

Keep a watch for discounts times; when agencies do offer some. For instance: with Ramadhan; Easy Weddings is offering their upcoming couples a 10% discount; this is an opportunity not to miss out.

To Conclude about your wedding in Qatar

While getting married in Qatar is tricky; Abu Dhabi is emerging as the safest place and one of the most liberal-minded, cosmopolitan cities across the globe. To avoid marriage-associated difficulties, one can choose Abu Dhabi or other wedding destinations such as Georgia or Seychelles.

Keen to plan your big day in GCC? You can check in with our planners and learn which wedding destination would be best suited in your given situation.

If you live in the GCC countries and want to marry right away, you must be having difficulty. This is due to the GCC’s long and complex wedding procedure, which can sometimes take months. So, for you, an online marriage is the better option. It will not only allow you to stay at home while the process is taking place, but it will also take the shortest amount of time possible. If you want to know the actual process of getting married online, Continue reading to find out the answer to this question.

What is the procedure for online marriage?

Well, the truth is that you don’t need to do anything difficult or time-consuming. That’s because you’re not compelled to do anything. First and foremost, we schedule a conversation with you in order to obtain all of the pertinent information and details relevant to your situation. It covers information such as nationality, current marital status, religion, and so on. After examining everything, our team of experienced and qualified lawyers will do a comprehensive embassy check. It will help them decide whether online marriage is a viable option for you. If everything seems good, we’ll begin the online wedding planning process for you.

Legal process

After receiving the wedding certificate from the marriage registrar, the certificate undergoes a local legalization process at the respective Ministries and Apostille.

Additionally, if the nation in which you presently reside is not a signatory to the Apostille Convention, we will assist you in bringing the certificate to the appropriate embassy for attestation. We will receive the original hard copy once the entire process is completed. If you live in the UAE, we’ll then finish the final stage of legalization. If you live in a foreign nation, we’ll mail you the original copy to complete the process.

In conclusion of your online wedding

Following the pandemic, many couples living in GCC nations have struggled to return home and marry in their home country. Online weddings have the advantage of being able to take place anywhere, whether it’s at your home or a special location for you.

Share this article with someone whose contemplating between a legal wedding or an online wedding.

Dubai or UAE is a famous place for marriages nowadays. Both Muslims and non-Muslims can get married in Dubai. For people living in Qatar, the process of marriage registration in Dubai is quick and straightforward.

In this article; we discuss under what conditions and requirements for a Qatar resident and expat; register for a marriage in Dubai.

General requirements for marriage registration in Dubai

• The couple must be above 18 years of age.
• The bride must consent to the marriage.
• At least one party must have a resident visa.
• A positive premarital screening report for the couple from any UAE healthcare facilities.
• The couple’s presence is necessary.
• The bride’s father or his proxy, as well as two male Muslim witnesses, must be present.
• The consent of a woman’s guardian is required for her to marry.
• In the event that the father dies, the presence of the next closest male guardian, such as an elder brother, is necessary.
• Women who have been divorced or widowed must show proof of their marital status.
• If the bride is Muslim but her father is not, she will require a document from her embassy or consulate stating that there are no objections.

The marriage council has the power to cancel the marriage registration in Dubai if the screening result is negative. Muslims can register their marriage under the Islamic marriage and non Muslims under civil.

Requirements for Qatar residents and expats

Qatar residents and expats can get married under the Sharia court provided both are Muslims. If both are non Muslim; a civil marriage in Dubai or UAE is possible. This additionally also requires either of the spouses to be a resident citizen in the UAE. If either of the partner is Muslim then getting married in Dubai or most of the GCC countries is nearly impossible.

Given all the conditions, the best way for these couples is to consider other alternatives such as countries like Georgia or Seychelles with requires minimum paperwork. With the right legal wedding support; the same can be attested in the UAE giving you the flexibility to avoid all hassle and marry the person you love.

In conclusion to marriage register in Dubai for Qatar expats and residents

Marriage registration in Dubai is simple as along as you have all the necessary documents. The wedding situation only gets complicated if you partner belong to a different religion, nationality or if you have any missing documents.

Want to know about the marriage registration procedure for Qatar expats and residents in Dubai ? Book a call with legal wedding experts.

Saudi and Qatar are two strong nations that are classified within the GCC countries. Expat couples in GCC countries often think that the marriage process within their territory is hard. But in recent times, many countries like Saudi are taking some measures to simplify their procedures.

Authentication is one aspect of the marriage process that turns prospective couples away from some countries. In this article, we will examine how Saudi joining the Apostille convention has helped to eliminate the need for double certification.

Effect of Saudi Arabia joining the Apostille Convention

Now that Saudi joined the Apostille convention on April 2022, this means that couples can bypass the legalization of their foreign public documents. Before this move was made, people who had documents from Apostille nations were to still submit their documents for authentication. Many felt that the process was lengthy and stressful.

When the new mode of operation goes into effect by the end of the year, all documents from Apostille countries will get a full pass in Saudi Arabia. This has many potential benefits for expats.

Overview of the new Saudi Agreement

While Qatar is not a party to the Hague Apostille Convention, Saudi Arabia is now a member. What this means is that the documentation process is now a lot easier in Saudi. Documents received from Saudi Arabia will also be accepted in other Apostille nations without additional authentications.

Expats within the GCC now have one more option with simple legal processes. Couples can thus save time and energy.

The agreement is in its early stage so, we do not have all the facts on what it could mean for couples who marry in Apostille nations outside Saudi Arabia. Any additional information on the subject will be discussed later.