Cremation Services in the UAE: Complete Guide for Non-Muslim

Cremation in the United Arab Emirates is permitted, but only for non-Muslim residents and visitors, in accordance with local laws and religious sensitivities. The UAE, being a Muslim-majority country, prohibits cremation for Muslims, as Islamic tradition mandates burial. However, to accommodate its large and diverse expatriate population, the UAE has set up designated cremation facilities in specific Emirates like Dubai (Jebel Ali), Sharjah, and Al Ain.

The process is strictly regulated and involves multiple steps including death registration, obtaining a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the deceased's embassy and the local authorities, and acquiring a cremation permit. Funeral homes and community organizations often assist families in navigating these procedures.

Cremation services are generally handled with dignity and respect, with options for religious rites and repatriation of ashes, depending on the family's wishes and cultural background.

Who can be cremated?

• Only non-Muslims are allowed to be cremated in the UAE.

• You must hold valid documents: passport, Emirates ID, death certificate, and No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the embassy and local authorities.

Where is cremation allowed?

• Cremation is not legal in all Emirates. It's permitted in:

  • Dubai (Jebel Ali Crematorium)

  • Sharjah

  • Al Ain

  • Abu Dhabi (limited, sometimes through repatriation)

  Jebel Ali Crematorium (Dubai) is the main facility used by many communities.

How does the process work?

1. Death registration: Done at a local hospital or police station.

2. Death certificate: Issued by UAE authorities.

3. No Objection Certificate (NOC): Required from the deceased’s embassy and police.

4. Cremation permit: Applied through local municipality or cremation center.

5. Cremation service: Booked at the authorized crematorium.

6. Ashes collection: Family can collect ashes afterward or arrange repatriation.

Who manages the cremation?

• Often coordinated by:

  • Funeral homes (e.g., Al Rashid, Al Aweer, Harmony)

  • Religious communities (Hindu temples, churches)

  • Embassy or consulate services

  For Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, and Christians, community centers often assist.

What does it cost?

• Costs vary depending on services and paperwork:

  • Basic cremation: AED 5,000 – 10,000

  • With ceremony/religious rites: AED 10,000 – 20,000

  • Repatriation of ashes/body: AED 10,000+

Cremation & Funeral Service Providers in UAE

1. Al Rashid Funeral Services – Dubai

• Long-established service provider for expatriates

• Handles paperwork, transport, cremation, and repatriation

• Location: Al Quoz, Dubai

• Website: https://alrashidfuneralservices.com

2. Harmony Funeral Services – Dubai

• Specializes in international repatriation and cremation coordination

• Assists with documentation and embassy liaisons

• Location: Jebel Ali

• Website: https://harmonyfuneralservices.com

3. Al Aweer Cremation Facility (Dubai Municipality)

• Government-managed cremation site for non-Muslims

• Usually accessed via funeral service companies or embassies

• Location: Al Aweer, Dubai

• Contact via Dubai Municipality: 800 900

4. Jebel Ali Crematorium (Christian Cemetery)

• Cremation services for non-Muslims, often through community churches or embassies

• Mostly serves Christian, Hindu, and Buddhist communities

• Location: Jebel Ali, Dubai

• Booking through affiliated funeral homes or religious bodies

5. Indian Association Sharjah / Indian Social Centre Al Ain

• Assists Indian expatriates with cremation, rites, and repatriation

• Coordinates with cremation facilities and local authorities

• Website: https://www.iss-shj.com

6. Church-based Funeral Support

Many churches in Dubai and Abu Dhabi help with funeral arrangements:

• St. Mary’s Catholic Church (Dubai)

• Holy Trinity Church (Dubai)

• St. Andrew’s Church (Abu Dhabi)

They help coordinate with funeral homes and crematoriums.