Abu Dhabi has issued new regulations regarding divorce and marriage laws.
Youssef Saeed Al Abri, Undersecretary of Abu Dhabi Judicial Department, mentioned that the law is "a modern and advanced concept of civil family law for foreigners in line with international best practices."
Spanning over 52 articles with the jurisdiction of the Civil Family Court, the regulations will deal with claims and disputes related to civil marriage and its effects, such as civil divorce, joint custody of children, financial rights arising out of divorce, wills, civil inheritance, proof of parentage, adoption and other foreign nationals personal status issues.
Individuals not residing in Abu Dhabi, as well as tourists, can now get married.
Civil marriage contracts now do not require a tutor, guardian or the presence of a witness for the wife.
No-fault divorce will also be followed giving both parties equal rights, will complete procedures quickly and will reduce disagreements, especially with children involved.
Parents will now get equal joint custody of children in light of a divorce.
The court can now hold proceedings in English if they are not familiar with Arabic with the claim form and judgment filed in both Arabic and English.