Planning to marry in Dubai as an Indian or Pakistani expat? Discover legal requirements, documents, religious rules, and FAQs in our trusted wedding guide.

Legal Guide: Marrying in Dubai for Indian & Pakistani Expats

Dubai is a dream wedding destination for many, especially for Indian and Pakistani expats. But before you say “I do” under the glittering skyline or amid golden desert dunes, it’s essential to understand the legal process of getting married in the UAE.

At D Unique Events, we’ve worked with hundreds of expat couples and families to plan beautiful, fully legal weddings in Dubai. Here’s a complete legal guide to marrying in Dubai for Indian and Pakistani expats, covering all religious, civil, and documentation concerns.

📝 1. Can Indian and Pakistani Expats Legally Marry in Dubai?

Yes! Whether you’re:

• An Indian or Pakistani Muslim couple

• A Hindu or Sikh couple from India

• An interfaith couple

• A Muslim marrying a non-Muslim

Dubai provides both Sharia-based and civil legal pathways for marriage. However, the rules vary based on your religion, residency, and embassy guidelines.

🕌 2. Muslim Marriage (Nikah) in Dubai – Sharia Court

Eligibility:

• Both bride and groom must be Muslim.

• The groom must be at least 21 years old, and the bride must be 18+.

• Bride’s father or guardian must be present.

• At least two Muslim male witnesses are required.

Required Documents:

• Valid passports & UAE visas (tourist or resident)

• Emirates ID (for UAE residents)

• Birth certificates

• Proof of marital status (bachelorhood certificate/divorce papers if applicable)

• Pre-marital medical screening from a Dubai Health Authority-approved clinic

Where to Register:

• Dubai Sharia Court (Marriage Section)

💡 Tip: We assist with court appointments, witness arrangement, and all Arabic document translations.

✝️ 3. Christian, Sikh & Hindu Marriages – Embassy/Church/Gurdwara

Non-Muslim expats from India or Pakistan can marry in Dubai under their respective religious institutions.

For Indian Christians:

• Churches offer marriage ceremonies recognised by both Indian law and UAE civil systems.

• Register the marriage at the Indian Embassy or Dubai Courts after the ceremony.

For Sikhs:

• Gurdwaras in Dubai conduct Anand Karaj (Sikh marriage rites).

• Couples must also legalise the union with embassy and UAE court registration.

For Hindus:

• Perform a symbolic ceremony in Dubai.

• Get legally married either in India or at the Indian Embassy if eligible.

💡 Tip: While Dubai doesn’t have an official Hindu marriage court, symbolic weddings followed by consular registration are commonly done.

👫 4. Interfaith Marriages in Dubai

As of 2021, non-Muslim interfaith marriages can be conducted in Dubai under a new civil marriage law for non-Muslims.

Eligibility:

• Both partners must be non-Muslims.

• Either one must reside in Dubai.

• Civil marriage applications are submitted to the Dubai Personal Status Court.

💡 If one partner is Muslim, Islamic laws apply.

📄 5. Step-by-Step Legal Marriage Process in Dubai

1. Determine your eligibility based on religion and residency.

2. Book pre-marital health screening (mandatory for Muslim marriages).

3. Gather required documents.

4. Choose a venue – court, embassy, mosque, church, gurdwara, or symbolic ceremony.

5. Conduct your marriage.

6. Register with embassy or UAE authorities for legal validation.

7. Get documents attested by UAE’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

💡 Need help? We provide end-to-end legal coordination for Indian & Pakistani expats!

💸 6. What Does It Cost to Get Married in Dubai Legally?

💡 Wedding packages by D Unique Events include legal assistance, so you don’t miss a single step.

❓ FAQs: Legal Marriage for Indian & Pakistani Expats in Dubai

❓ Can I get married on a tourist visa in Dubai?

Yes, for both Sharia and embassy weddings, but some embassies prefer residents.

❓ Can we have a symbolic ceremony and register later?

Absolutely! Many couples opt for destination weddings first and handle the legal part afterward.

❓ Do we need a marriage certificate from Pakistan or India too?

Not if your marriage is registered and attested in Dubai—it will be legally valid globally.

💬 Real Couples Speak

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“We had our nikah in Dubai’s Sharia court and then celebrated in Al Maha Resort. D Unique handled everything from the imam to paperwork!”
— Humaira & Bilal, UAE + Lahore

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“We had a Hindu wedding in Dubai followed by registration in India. Their team arranged the mandap, priest, and even the embassy visit.”
— Priya & Rohan, Dubai + Mumbai

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“As a Christian-Muslim couple, we were unsure of the legal process. This guide and D Unique Events made it crystal clear.”
— Zoya & Arman, UK + Pakistan

📞 Need Legal Help for Your Wedding in Dubai?

Don’t navigate this process alone. From Nikah to civil marriage, and from court papers to cultural celebration, we’ve got you covered.

👉 Book a Legal Consultation with D Unique Events

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