Abu Dhabi Opens Global Online Marriage Service — Couples Can Now Wed from Anywhere via TAMM App

Abu Dhabi has taken a bold step in digital governance by allowing couples from anywhere in the world to legally marry online through the government’s TAMM application. The service, launched by the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department (ADJD), enables non-Muslim couples to complete their marriage procedures entirely online, from submitting documents to conducting the virtual ceremony, without physically visiting the emirate.

According to Mohamed Al Askar, Director-General of the Abu Dhabi Digital Authority, the initiative reflects Abu Dhabi’s commitment to providing world-class digital public services. Speaking to AFP, Al Askar confirmed that the new version of the marriage service is designed to make the process seamless and globally accessible, marking the first time a Middle Eastern government has allowed legal marriages to be performed virtually for international users.

The new service is an expansion of earlier digital initiatives introduced during the Covid-19 pandemic, when the UAE temporarily allowed residents to marry through virtual ceremonies. This updated version now enables any couple worldwide to apply through the TAMM platform, upload the required documents, pay the fees (AED 800, approximately USD 217), and have their marriage contract authenticated remotely by an Abu Dhabi judge.

The virtual marriage process involves a few key steps:

1. Online Application: Couples can submit personal details, identification, and required documents through the TAMM app or website.

2. Review and Approval: The Abu Dhabi Judicial Department reviews the application and ensures eligibility in line with civil marriage laws.

3. Virtual Ceremony: A judge officiates the marriage through a secure video session, and the digital marriage certificate is issued instantly.

While other countries, such as Ukraine, which introduced virtual marriages to help couples separated by war, have also experimented with digital ceremonies, Abu Dhabi’s initiative stands out for its global reach and legal recognition under UAE civil law.

The move underscores Abu Dhabi’s growing influence as a center for digital innovation and progressive family laws, following the emirate’s 2021 decision to implement a civil marriage system for non-Muslims that operates independently from Islamic Sharia regulations.

Experts see this as part of a larger strategy to make Abu Dhabi an attractive destination for expatriates, digital nomads, and international couples seeking a modern, legally recognized alternative to traditional marriage registration.

As of now, couples do not need to be UAE residents to apply, though some cases may require local legal representation for document attestation or follow-up steps. Officials note that the system is continually evolving, with more features expected to be added in the coming months.

This innovative digital marriage service reflects Abu Dhabi’s vision of a smart government, one that brings convenience, inclusivity, and efficiency to life’s most important milestones.