UAE: Can parents stop marriage of their adult daughter?

UAE: Can parents stop marriage of their adult daughter?

Published: Sun 21 Apr 2024, 8:37 AM

Question: I am an adult woman living in the UAE on a work visa. My parents reside here in the UAE as well. I am in love with a colleague and we plan to get married soon. If my parents don't agree to our union, will they be able to prevent our marriage? Please advise.

Answer: Pursuant to your queries, the responses are addressed based on the provisions of Federal Law No. 28 of 2005 on Personal Status subsequently amended by Federal Decree Law No. 8 of 2019, Federal Decree Law No. 5 of 2020 and Federal Decree Law No. 29 of 2020 and Federal Decree Law No. 41 of 2022 on Personal Laws for Non-Muslims as you have not mentioned your religion and the religion of your fiancé in the query.

Generally, in the UAE, Muslims who intend to marry need to be 18 years of age. This is in accordance with Article 30(1) of the Personal Status Law of UAE, which states, “Capacity to marriage is completed by reason and maturity. The age of maturity is 18 years, completed, unless the person concerned matures earlier in conformity with the law.”

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