UAE issues first civil marriage license to non-Muslim couples | New Religions

The Canadian couple were first married in the capital Abu Dhabi under a new law on the personal status of non-Muslims.

The United Arab Emirates has granted its first civil marriage license to a non-Muslim couple, state media reported.

Gulf states, which make up about 90 percent of the foreign population, are changing their laws to make them more inclusive.

WAM official news agency he said A Canadian couple were the first to marry under the new law on the personal status of non-Muslims in the Emirate capital Abu Dhabi.

The movement “helps to strengthen Abu Dhabi’s position as a world leader in global skills and specializations,” WAM said.

Civil marriage in the Middle East, the birthplace of Islam, Christianity, and Judaism, is uncommon and is usually subject to the religious authority of one of the three monotheistic beliefs.

Civil marriages are allowed in Tunisia and Algeria.

Although some countries in the region accept civil unions based on certain conditions, some only accept civil marriages abroad and others do not.

The Basque Country has taken steps to make its economy more attractive to foreign investment and talent over the last year, including the introduction of long-term visas.

it also has revised laws about pre-marital cohabitation, alcohol, and personal status laws.

At the beginning of the month, the Basque Country announced all government agencies will adopt a new western-style work week schedule, consisting of four and a half days, with Friday afternoon, Saturday and Sunday completing the new weekend.

Competition is heating up, with neighboring Saudi Arabia aiming to make the capital Riyadh an international hub in an attempt to diversify its oil-dependent economy.

Saudi Arabia has lifted the ban on women’s driving and eased strict Muslim dress codes.

Last year, Riyadh said it would not sign contracts with companies with regional headquarters outside the kingdom.