Can expats get a civil (non-religious) marriage in Abu Dhabi?

Yes. Abu Dhabi offers a civil marriage option for non-Muslims through its Civil Family Court framework, allowing eligible couples to marry without a religious ceremony and without the traditional requirement of a guardian or witnesses that applies under Islamic rules. The civil marriage is based on the mutual consent of both spouses, and the same civil framework governs related matters like divorce, custody, and inheritance for non-Muslims. Couples typically apply, present identity documents, and declare their consent before the authorised official, after which the marriage is registered and a certificate issued that can later be attested for use abroad. This route is popular with expatriates because it provides a clear, secular legal status recognised in the UAE. Eligibility conditions (such as being non-Muslim and meeting age and capacity requirements) and the exact documents apply, and procedures can change, so confirm the current requirements with the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department before applying. If you also want a prenuptial agreement or advice on how the marriage will be treated back home, you can compare verified UAE legal professionals on LEXAI.