The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has issued its first civil marriage license for a Canadian couple in the capital, Abu Dhabi. This license was given under a new law on the personal status of non-muslims in the country, which was announced last month.
Foreigners make up 90 percent of the approximately 10 million population in the Gulf state. Recently, UAE has been introducing new laws for promoting progressiveness in the region.
According to WAM news agency, this decision “contributes to the consolidation of Abu Dhabi’s position as a world-leading destination for skills and expertise from around the world.”
Civil marriage was not allowed in the Middle East as it is the birthplace of three monotheistic religions that includes Christianity, Judaism, and Islam. Usually, marriages are conducted under the religious authority of any of the three faiths.
Civil marriages are only allowed in Algeria and Tunisia.
Recently, the country has seen a lot of developments, which include lifting a ban on unmarried couples living together and loosening restrictions on alcohol.
Earlier this month, the UAE also announced that it will move to a Western-style Saturday-Sunday weekend. This will make Emirates the only Gulf country not to observe weekends on a Friday, and Saturday. The government also exempted the censorship policy from cinema and introduced ratings for mature content.
