Dubai: Are you planning on getting married in Dubai?Apply for a premarital certificate and receive it digitally, if you are registering your marriage in the city. Read on to learn how you can complete this important step before the big day.Is premarital screening mandatory?According to Dubai Health Authority (DHA), in Dubai, all couples who are participating in Sharia or Islamic marriages are required to undergo premarital medical screenings. It is also a mandatory procedure for all UAE citizens aged 18 and older, who are planning to wed.However, the screening is optional, but recommended, for civil marriages.What is a premarital certificate?Once you complete the premarital medical screening, you and your partner will receive a premarital certificate: this is a required document when applying for a marriage certificate in some cases, based on the type of union you are registering (civil or Islamic/Sharia). The document affirms that individuals are free from communicable diseases, as well as hereditary conditions.What diseases does the screening test for?The screening includes testing for infectious diseases, such as HIV (human immunodeficiency virus), Hepatitis B and C, and syphilis, as well as hereditary conditions, such as Beta-thalassemia and sickle cell anemia. According to the DHA, the screening helps prevent the transmission of infections and reduces the risk of genetic conditions in offspring.For UAE nationals, a genetic test is also part of the screening process, with results typically available within 10 working days after both partners’ samples are received.Where can I complete the medical test?In Dubai, screening tests must be done through a medical centre authorised by the DHA.View the full list of authorised locations here: dubaihealth.ae/locationsWhat documents are required?The following documents are required to apply for the test, and complete the screening process:Emirates ID (yours and your partner’s)PassportBooked appointment or application number (more on this below)How do I apply for a premarital certificate?You can apply for and receive your premarital certificate digitally through the DubaiNow app, which has collaborated with Dubai Courts and the DHA to provide this facility.Follow these steps to apply:Before applying for the service, ensure you and your fiancé have a UAE PASS account.Download the DubaiNow app from the Google Play Store and Apple App Store. Open it on your smartphone and log in.Select the ‘Getting married’ service from the Social category of the DubaiNow app.Enter your partner’s Emirates ID and send a request for verification. Once both you and your partner have sent requests to apply for premarital screening, the request will be processed.Fill in the application form, and enter details such as your full name, gender, date of birth and family’s medical history.Book an appointment for a medical test at a medical fitness centre of your choice. Upon submission, you will receive an application number.Head to your selected DHA-authorised medical fitness centre for the medical test on the appointed date, and provide the agent with the application number so they can access your personal details.Once your test results are in, you will be notified via email and SMS, and will be able retrieve your premarital certificate digitally, through the DubaiNow app.The processing time is between 3 to 10 working days, according to the DubaiNow app.Cost:Dh100 for UAE and GCC citizensDh250 for other nationalities
