Abu Dhabi has launched a new digital service allowing couples from anywhere in the world to get legally married through the emirate’s official TAMM government application, without needing to visit the United Arab Emirates. The announcement was made by Mohamed Al Askar, head of the TAMM project, during the GITEX 2025 technology exhibition in Dubai. The initiative marks a significant step in expanding digital government services to a global audience, combining technology with administrative convenience.
The new online marriage service enables users to complete the entire process virtually, from document submission to the official ceremony. For a fee of 800 dirhams (approximately $218), couples can fill out digital forms, upload required documents, schedule an officiant, and even hold a virtual ceremony—all within 24 hours. According to Al Askar, the service is available to Emirati citizens, residents, and non-residents alike, though non-residents are required to appoint a local representative or legal proxy in the UAE. This inclusion makes Abu Dhabi one of the few jurisdictions worldwide offering a fully digital marriage option to international applicants.
The United Arab Emirates had earlier experimented with virtual weddings during the Covid-19 pandemic, allowing residents to complete the marriage process online amid restrictions. However, the latest version of the TAMM app expands this feature globally, allowing people from diverse backgrounds to formalize their unions digitally. Al Askar emphasized that the service is “open to everyone,” reflecting the emirate’s continued investment in smart governance and user-centric technology. The move aligns with Abu Dhabi’s vision of becoming a global leader in digital transformation, offering seamless access to government services through innovative platforms.
Abu Dhabi is currently the only Gulf jurisdiction that permits non-religious marriages, a right reserved for foreign nationals. By integrating this feature into the TAMM application, authorities aim to simplify administrative processes while maintaining legal recognition and compliance. TAMM already provides more than 1,000 digital government services, ranging from business licensing to healthcare and education, and the inclusion of marriage registration strengthens its position as one of the region’s most advanced digital platforms.
Global observers view this development as a sign of how digital governance is reshaping civic processes, enabling individuals to access essential services regardless of location. The virtual marriage initiative also reflects a growing trend among governments to use technology to enhance accessibility, efficiency, and inclusivity in public administration. With Abu Dhabi’s latest digital milestone, couples across the world can now begin a new chapter in their lives—virtually connected through one of the most comprehensive e-government ecosystems in the region.
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