Dec 27, 2021: According to state media reports, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has issued its first civil marriage licence to a non-Muslim couple
The middle eastern Kingdom where foreigners make up 90 percent of the approximately 10-million population has been amending its laws to make it more inclusive.
A Canadian couple got married for the first time in the UAE capital, Abu Dhabi, under a new law on the personal status of non-Muslims, state news agency WAM reported.
WAM also said, the move “contributes to the consolidation of Abu Dhabi’s position as a world leading destination for skills and expertise from around the world,”
Being the birthplace of Islam, Christianity and Judaism, civil marriage is uncommon in the Middle East and is usually performed under the religious authority of one of the three monotheistic faiths. Civil marriages are allowed in Tunisia and Algeria.
While some countries in the region allow civil unions on certain conditions, some only recognize civil marriages abroad and others do not. Last year, the UAE took steps to make its economy more attractive to foreign investment and skills, including the introduction of long-term visas.
UAE has also revised laws regarding cohabitation before marriage, alcohol and personal status laws.
Earlier this month, the UAE announced that all government agencies would adopt a new Western-style work week schedule that would include a four-and-a-half-day new weekend on Friday afternoons, Saturdays and Sundays.
Competition for investment in the region is growing as neighboring Saudi Arabia seeks to diversify its oil-dependent economy, aiming to turn its capital, Riyadh, into an international hub. Saudi Arabia has lifted the ban on women driving and relaxed the Muslim dress code. Last year, Riyadh said it would not sign agreements with companies whose regional headquarters are outside the country.
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