Despite Iran’s attacks and the disruption they have caused across the region, there has been no slowdown at Abu Dhabi Civil Family Court. If anything, the opposite is happening. Marriages are increasing.

In a period marked by uncertainty, including airspace closure, delayed flights and regular alerts, you might expect people to pause major life decisions. But the numbers suggest otherwise. Couples are still coming in, choosing to go ahead with their weddings rather than wait things out.

Part of that comes down to the system itself. The process is straightforward, fast and efficient. There is no backlog and no sense of things being held up. People apply, they get their appointments and feel safe in the UAE.

This also reflects something deeper. For many, the decision to marry is tied to stability – financial, personal and legal – but also a level of safety and stability, and a trust in leadership. Choosing to formalise a relationship at a time like this suggests reassurance, not hesitation or fear.

Inside the court, it is business as usual. Brides in white, men in suits and families gathering to attend ceremonies, taking place one after the other.

This month's edition focuses on that message of optimism.

Thank you for reading.

Love is in the air: Weddings on the rise in Abu Dhabi despite Iran's aerial barrage

More than 4,300 couples have married in Abu Dhabi since the start of the year, with demand for civil ceremonies remaining strong despite regional hostility and airspace disruption.

The number of civil marriages taking place has also increased since Iranian missile and drone attacks on the UAE began on February 28.

Abu Dhabi Civil Family Court has been processing up to 70 weddings a day since Iran launched its first barrage at the Emirates.

“Why Abu Dhabi?” said Judge Abdulhafiz Zaidan, the head of the court, when asked why so many were choosing to get married. “Because of how efficient and quick the process is.”

Couples are travelling not only from across the UAE but also from abroad to get married at the court, with some arriving on visit visas and flying back home shortly after their service.

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The UAE’s interest in space exploration began in the 1970s, when Nasa sent the original Apollo astronauts to the Moon and inspired the country’s Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. Read more about how the Emirates became one of the world's emerging space powers here.

'Our life is here': UAE residents fly back to their second home amid Iranian strikes

Residents who flew back to the UAE after being stranded overseas by the Iran war said they had no doubts about returning to their “second home” – and had faith in the government to keep them safe.

Well-established families are determined to stand firm as the UAE protects itself against air attacks and defends its commitment to restraint and diplomacy.

Ajay Vyas, 63, and his wife Pratiksha Vyas took an Emirates flight from Mumbai to Dubai in March, as Iranian air strikes targeted the UAE and its Gulf neighbours.

Their earlier flights were cancelled when Iran's offensive began on February 28. Airspace was closed and airport operations severely disrupted.

The Vyas family are among thousands of residents to return to the country where they have put down roots, raising children and building businesses.

Sheikh Mohammed says UAE operating with ‘complete efficiency’

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, has spoken of his pride in the strength and resilience of the UAE in the light of the past month of daily attacks from Iran.

“The success of the UAE is built on constants that have not changed and will not change,” he said. “Advanced infrastructure and technology, and an advanced legislative framework, a quality of life among the best in the world, and a government committed to building comprehensive development for its people and all residents on its land.

“Our constants remain and our journey continues, and our return will be stronger, God willing, after the passage of these exceptional circumstances,” said Sheikh Mohammed, who is also Vice President.

His comments came after a UAE Cabinet meeting on Sunday, during which the country’s leadership commended the defensive spirit of the Armed Forces, the national spirit of citizens and residents, and the sense of responsibility among all communities in the country.

“Our national institutions operate with complete efficiency; our defence forces operate with complete professionalism; our private sector keeps pace with developments with complete responsibility,” Sheikh Mohammed wrote on X.

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