Q: How do one's parents go about getting a divorce in the UAE when the marriage contract was signed in Belgium? A: The law of the parties can be applied. The two parties must choose that law. The law must be followed and applied in the Emirates. It is different because it applies the Islamic Sharia…

Hello, Yes, the law of the parties can be applied in the event of divorce, but the two parties must choose that law, and the law must be followed and applied in the Emirates. As for the UAE law, it is different because it applies the Islamic Sharia. The children are subject to the mother’s custody for a period of 11 & 13 years for males and females, and the alimony is borne by the father, after which it is transferred to the father, and the custody ends with the son’s marriage, employment or reaching 21 years of age.

How to get divorced in the UAE while the marriage contract was signed in Belgium?

Questions & Answers

Questions & Answers

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The applicable law to foreigners' divorce and splitting of assets in the UAE

Q: Hi, I wanted to understand the laws on asset split upon divorce. I and my wife are residents of Dubai, citizens of Australia. Our assets are in Australia, Singapore, India and the UAE. Which country laws would be applicable to us?

Mar 29, 2020

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What did the new personal status and civil marriage law present for non-Muslims?

Q: Can anyone explain the latest divorce law in Abu Dhabi for non-Muslims?

Nov 10, 2021

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Filing a divorce case against the husband who is not residing in the UAE

Q: As a non-Muslim British citizen with residency in the UAE, can I file for divorce in the UAE from my partner who is a British citizen and resides in the UK? They have never had a work or residency visa in the UAE. How would I start this process and how would they be notified? Can I avoid notifying them? What are the benefits if I were to file a divorce petition in the UAE compared to the UK?

Mar 26, 2020

294

Which law is better to apply for non-Muslims, UK or Sharia law?

Q: I wish to file for divorce from my wife. We are both non-Muslim, UK nationals living in Abu Dhabi. We have 3 children (12, 9, and 8). I know we will both be awarded joint custody after the divorce but I wish for the children to mainly live with me at our family home. If their main home is with me, will I still be liable to pay my wife alimony, even if she works? What percentage of my monthly salary of AED 35,000 should I reasonably expect to pay? How long will the alimony payments last? I am just trying to understand that if I am the children's primary carer, pay their school fees, and cover their living costs (if they live with me), then what would my wife be entitled to in the settlement as a monthly payment?

Apr 27, 2022

203

Can a non-Muslim wife of a Muslim husband divorce as per the non-Muslim personal status law?

Q: Can a non-Muslim wife of a Muslim husband file a divorce as per the new non-Muslim personal status law? Or she must file for divorce only as per Sharia law?

Feb 23, 2023

211

Legal blog

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Personal Status Law for Non-Muslim Foreigners in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi

A new civil personal status decree has been introduced in the emirate of Abu Dhabi by His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE and the Ruler of Abu Dhabi. This personal status decree will be applicable for non-Muslim foreigners based in Abu Dhabi in matters of marriage, divorce, Will, inheritance, and custody of children.

Nov 9, 2021

2542

Laws & Regulations

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Federal Law No. (28) of 2005 On Personal Status

UAE Personal Status Law (also known as Personal Affairs Law) governs marriage, divorce, inheritance and other personal affairs in the United Arab Emirates. The law equally applies to citizens of the UAE and non-citizens unless one of them asks for the application of his home country law.

Nov 19, 2005

49091

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