In any Dubai government office today, digital queues, instant approvals, and transactions are sealed in minutes. The transformation agenda in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is clear. With the Emirates Blockchain Strategy 2021 targeting 50% of government transactions on blockchain platforms by 2025, family law services are not far behind.

Abu Dhabi alone issued over 7,000 digital marriage contracts between October 2022 and December 2023, demonstrating that digital marriage processes have moved beyond theoretical discussion into practical implementation. What remains novel is the application of blockchain technology and smart contracts to Islamic marriage law, a convergence that demands careful legal navigation.

The legal foundation already exists as follows:

• Federal Decree-Law No. 41/2024 On the Issuance of Personal Status Law.

• Federal Decree-Law No. 46/2021 On Electronic Transactions and Trust Services.

• Dubai Law No. 4/2022 Regulating Virtual Assets in the Emirate of Dubai.

This Practice Note examines how blockchain technology can interact with Sharia requirements, the mechanics of smart contracts and digital mahr, and the persistent challenges around privacy, regulatory compliance, and cross-border recognition.

• Blockchain: A secure, tamper-proof digital ledger where each transaction is verified by multiple computers.