The UAE as state media reported on Monday issued its first Civil Marriage License for a non-Muslim couple, in a suppose bid for the Gulf country to keep its edge over regional competitors. 

The United Arab Emirates is where foreigners make up 90 percent of the approximately 10-million population — has been amending its laws to present itself as a modernizing force in a largely conservative region. 

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

The move “contributes to the consolidation of Abu Dhabi’s position as a world leading destination for skills and expertise from around the world,” WAM said.

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

Earlier this month, the UAE announced it will move to a Western-style Saturday-Sunday weekend.

The Emirates starting on  January 1, 2022, will become the only Gulf country not to observe weekends from Friday, the Muslim day of prayer, to Saturday.

Competition is hotting up as neighbouring Saudi Arabia, seeking to diversify its oil-reliant economy, aims to turn its capital Riyadh into an international hub.

Saudi Arabia has also lifted a ban on women drivers and eased its strict Islamic dress code.

The post UAE Gives first civil marriage license for non-Muslim couple appeared first on Tatahfonewsarena.