SHARJAH // We are all used to our wallets and purses bulging with plastic, from national identity cards and driving licences to health insurance and credit cards.
Now couples tying the knot in Sharjah will have one more - a proof of marriage card.
The card, issued by the Sharjah Sharia Court, is a first for the country.
It is being given to newlyweds - nationals and expatriates - in addition to the traditional paper certificate.
People who are already married can apply for the card, which will be accepted as proof of nuptials across the country.
Proof of marital status is required by immigration authorities and maternity hospitals, and for obtaining tenancy contracts and other official procedures.
Judge Saleem al Hosni, the head of the Sharjah Islamic Courts, said it started issuing the cards this week, and that people seemed to like them.
"We will ... offer [them] even to those who got married before but have their marriages registered here [in Sharjah]. They can apply for these cards in addition to their marriage certificates," he said.
Judge al Hosni said the cards, which carry the signature of Sharjah's chief judge, would make life easier for couples. The card displays their full names, nationalities, date of marriage and national identity numbers.
Other details including witnesses' names and the couple's signatures will still appear on the certificates.
There is no additional charge for the card. Couples who pay the Dh200 fee (US$55) for a marriage certificate will receive a card as well.
A court official said about 100 new cards had been issued since Sunday.
Among those queuing for one at the court offices was Mohammed al Huzaifia, a 25-year-old Emirati, who got married last month.
"I had to carry my marriage certificate everywhere because it's a new marriage," he said.
"It's a delicate and special paper that would easily get torn if you move around with it regularly. If I get this card, it would be a relief," Mr al Hufaiza said.
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