A rishta — a marriage proposal — is one of the most important decisions a family makes. In Dubai, where families from Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, the Philippines, Egypt and many other countries live side by side, rishta requirements vary by culture, community and family tradition. This guide explains what families in Dubai usually ask for, what documents are needed, and how to check everything properly before saying yes.
This is a general information guide. It does not list any individual proposal, and it does not share anyone's personal details. Every family is different, and the requirements below are the ones most commonly discussed in Dubai — use them as a starting point for your own family's conversation.
What Families Usually Ask For
Most families in Dubai start with the basics: age, education, profession and family background. For the boy, families often ask about his job, his monthly income range in general terms, whether he has a stable residence visa, and whether he can support a family in Dubai. For the girl, families often ask about her education, her profession if she works, and her family background.
Beyond the basics, families look at character and values: honesty, respect for elders, religious practice, habits and lifestyle. Many families also ask about the person's plans — whether they intend to stay in Dubai long term, move to another country, or return home. These questions matter more than any single requirement, because a marriage is a long-term partnership.
Education and Profession
Education is one of the first things families check. A degree, a professional qualification or a trade certificate all count, and what matters most is that the education is genuine and can be verified. In Dubai, many families ask for attested degrees, because attestation is a normal part of life here for visas and jobs.
Profession matters because it shows stability. Families usually prefer someone with a steady job and a valid work visa, rather than someone between jobs. For professionals — doctors, engineers, teachers, accountants — families often ask about the employer, the work location and the length of service. For business owners, families may ask about the trade licence and how long the business has been running.
Family Background and Character
Family background is about more than a name. Families want to know where the other family comes from, what their values are, and whether the two families will get along. In Dubai's expatriate communities, families often ask friends, relatives or community members about the other family — this is normal and expected.
Character checks are just as important. Families look at how the person treats their parents, how they behave in the community, and whether their words and actions match. A good rishta is not only about qualifications — it is about trust, respect and kindness.
Documents Needed for Marriage in Dubai
For a marriage in Dubai, the couple will need valid passports, valid UAE residence visas (or visit visas with the right conditions), Emirates IDs if applicable, and birth certificates in some cases. Depending on the type of marriage — Islamic, civil or church — additional documents may be needed, such as a marriage licence from the home country, a certificate of no impediment, or a letter from the embassy.
All foreign documents usually need to be attested — first by the home country's authorities and then by the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs. For a Sharia marriage, the couple registers with the Dubai Courts or the relevant authority. For a civil marriage, non-Muslim couples can use the Dubai Courts' civil marriage service or the Abu Dhabi civil family court. Always check the current rules with the Dubai Courts or the UAE Government Portal (u.ae) before starting the process.
Verification Steps Before Saying Yes
Before accepting a rishta, families should verify the basics: check the person's identity documents, confirm their job with the employer if possible, and confirm their education through their university or attested certificates. Meet the family in person, not only online. Talk to people who know them — relatives, colleagues or community members.
Take your time. A family that pressures you to decide quickly, refuses to share basic information, or avoids meeting in person is a warning sign. A genuine proposal welcomes questions and gives families time to check.
Red Flags and Scam Warnings
Be careful of proposals that ask for money at any stage — for "processing", "visa fees", "gifts" or "registration". A real rishta never requires payment to a stranger. Be careful of people who refuse video calls, use only one photo, or give different stories to different family members.
Never share copies of your passport, Emirates ID or bank details with someone you have only met online. If a proposal comes through social media or a messaging app, verify the person through their family and community before sharing any personal information. If something feels wrong, stop and ask a trusted elder or community member for advice.
