Non-Muslim couples can now marry “based on the will of both the husband and wife”, meaning consent from the wife’s father or guardian is no longer a requirement.
The need to have several male Muslims as witnesses has also been removed.
In Abu Dhabi's family court, proceedings are closer to what you would find in a registry office wedding in the UK or Europe.
Wills for non-Muslims should be registered during the signing of their marriage certificate.
The new law states that proof of paternity for non-Muslims will be based on marriage or the recognition of paternity.
DNA tests will be carried out if the parents are unknown.
Earlier this year, new rules allowed unmarried mothers to apply to get birth certificates for their babies. Before that, the presence or proof of a husband was required to legally register the child.
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