Dubai: A Dubai court has ruled that marriage officiants in the emirate have legal authority to solemnize marriage

contracts between Muslims regardless of their nationalities.

Head of family court Judge Salem Obaid Othman passed the ruling Monday.

The system earlier in force in Dubai did not give this right to marriage officiants except in case of citizens from GCC

(Gulf Cooperation Council) countries.

The judge noted in his ruling that the decision was made due to increased number of people turning out at the court

to solemnize marriages. The decision also comes in line with the strategy of the Dubai Courts to ease up procedures

at its various sections.

He explained that there are no special conditions for conclusion of a marriage contract except that both the spouses

should hold a valid residence in Dubai.

If either the bride or groom is under 18 years, or the age of groom is double the age of the bride or more, a special

permission should be issued by the Chief of the Dubai Courts, the ruling clarified.

BDST: 1504 HRS, September 07, 2010