Canadian couple first to marry in capital Abu Dhabi underneath a brand new regulation on the non-public standing of non-Muslims introduced final month.
The United Arab Emirates has issued its first civil marriage licence to a non-Muslim couple, state media reviews.
The Gulf state the place foreigners make up 90 p.c of the roughly 10-million inhabitants has been amending its legal guidelines to make it extra inclusive.
The official WAM information company stated a Canadian couple have been the primary to marry underneath a brand new regulation on the non-public standing of non-Muslims within the Emirati capital of Abu Dhabi.
The transfer “contributes to the consolidation of Abu Dhabi’s place as a world main vacation spot for abilities and experience from around the globe,” WAM stated.
Civil marriage within the Center East, the birthplace of Islam, Christianity and Judaism, is rare and often carried out underneath a non secular authority of one of many three monotheistic beliefs.
Civil marriages are allowed in Tunisia and Algeria.
Whereas some nations within the area permit civil unions based mostly on sure circumstances, some solely recognise civil marriages carried out overseas and others by no means.
The UAE has taken measures previously yr to make its financial system extra enticing to overseas funding and expertise, together with introducing longer-term visas.
It has additionally revised legal guidelines concerning cohabitation earlier than marriage, alcohol and private standing legal guidelines.
Earlier this month, UAE introduced all authorities entities will undertake a brand new Western-style work-week schedule consisting of four-and-a-half days with Friday afternoon, Saturday and Sunday forming the brand new weekend.
Competitors is hotting up as neighbouring Saudi Arabia, looking for to diversify its oil-reliant financial system, goals to show its capital Riyadh into a world hub.
Saudi Arabia has lifted a ban on girls driving and eased its strict Muslim costume code.
Final yr, Riyadh stated it will not signal contracts with firms which have their regional headquarters exterior the dominion.