80% of marriage contracts in RAK issued virtually

UAE - Up to 80 per cent of the marriage contracts in Ras Al Khaimah are issued virtually, an official has said.

Dr Ahmed Al Khatri, chairman of the RAK Courts, said many couples opt for the virtual service because of its easy and speedy procedure.

"The service is part of the RAK Courts' "Paperless Courts" strategy to turn its traditional services into smart ones," he said.

The RAK Courts have launched a special protocol for documenting marriage contracts way before the Covid-19 pandemic, he added.

"Only the husband, wife's representative, and two witnesses are allowed to attend the marriage contracts procedures to avoid gatherings."

This protocol has proved efficient in saving time and issuing marriage contracts remotely, Al Khatri underlined. "Both the husband and wife can get their marriage contract via this online service."

The RAK Courts offers 280 digital services, which represent 92 per cent of all the services. These online services are available 24x7 via three channels; RAK Government website, RAK Courts website, and 'mRAK' smart app.

"Records show that 160 lawyers and advocacy offices are registered in the RAK Courts electronic services which also see the subscription of 68 banks and companies," he added.

The 'One-day' Courts remotely processed 301 cases from April 1 to August 31 while the Labour Court processed 1,305 cases remotely. The number of Notary Public services provided remotely since the beginning of the pandemic totalled up to 3,205 services.