Marriage contracts can now be issued by mosque imams in Abu Dhabi

ABU DHABI// Marriage contracts can now be issued at mosques with imams finalising the legal documents online using an iPad.

The Abu Dhabi Judicial Department has trained imams at 14 mosques across the emirate to become marriage clerics and fill in the required information online.

“The service has proved very popular since it has been launched,” said Sheikha Al Shehhi, head of documentation at the notary public section.

The imams have been trained to issue contracts and speak to newly weds about the rights of a wife, husband, and to pray for the couple.

“This brings back the tradition of getting married in a mosque and the marriage sermon,” explained Ms Al Shehhi, adding that all contracts must now have a photo of the bride and groom attached.

“This avoids forged contracts or impersonating others.”

While the option of being married in court is still available, marrying at a mosque gives the occasion a more “cultural and religious atmosphere” said M Al Shehhi

“In court only the legally concerned parties attend, whereas ‎in the mosque the entire family, neighbours and friends can go.”

The online contracts are part of a number of e-services introduced by the notary public department.

A limit of three years has also been set for how long people can have power of attorney.

“People sometimes shy away from cancelling power of attorney made to a member of their family, so when it has a time limit it gets cancelled automatically,” said Mrs Al Shehhi.

She also recommended the authority be limited to a certain procedure and not left vague.