UAE Issues New Rules On Underage Marriage Approvals

The UAE has tightened regulations governing marriages involving individuals under the age of 18, introducing stricter approval conditions and enhanced judicial oversight under a revised legal framework.

Under the updated provisions, it remains prohibited to register a marriage contract for anyone below 18 years, male or female, unless authorised by a competent court. However, the law now explicitly requires verification that such a marriage serves the minor’s best interest, in line with more rigorous procedural safeguards.

While court approval has long been a requirement for underage marriage in the UAE, legal experts say the latest amendments significantly raise the threshold for granting such exceptions.