What do we need for a Muslim marriage in Dubai if my guardian lives abroad?

Your father living abroad does not stop the marriage — courts deal with this situation regularly. The usual solution is for him to give his consent from overseas through a formal document: a power of attorney or written consent signed before the UAE embassy or consulate in his country, or notarised locally and then attested so it is valid here. With that document, another person can stand in for him at the ceremony, or the court can act on the written consent, depending on the procedure in your emirate. If a guardian is genuinely unable to participate, or withholds consent without legitimate reason, the judge has authority to deal with the matter — guardianship is a protection, not a veto. As for preparation, both of you should expect to need passports and Emirates IDs, the premarital medical screening certificates from an approved centre, and proof of marital status such as a divorce or death certificate if either of you was previously married. Book the screening early, as it gates the appointment. The court's marriage section can confirm specifics, and a personal status lawyer can prepare the guardian documents correctly the first time.