Q: My wife and I are in the process of going into a divorce. After receiving a hate email from her family, I decided to protect our daughter's rights and file for the divorce in my home country (in Europe). My wife (Indian national) and daughter (European national, 2.5 years old) are both living in Dubai. Over the past 48 hours, she is acting very strangely in our communication, and with some borders reopening, I would like to know if I can protect my daughter from leaving the U.A.E. without my permission. My wife is not responding to any of my messages, nor is she cooperating with the divorce procedure itself. She does not want to disclose with me where she is and who is taking care of our daughter right now. Is it possible to ask for a travel ban for (at least) my daughter?

Q: Dear sir/madam, I am a 27-year-old Emirati woman. I have left to the USA to work and study and I am back here on vacation. My father is threatening to put a ban on me in order not to allow me to travel, but I am way above the legal age; turning 28 in 3 months. Is this possible? And can I do anything to stop it?

Q: I have separated from my husband for almost 12 months. Our daughter lives with me. He sees her a few hours a week when he wants. He is her sponsor, I am on a work visa. He is holding her passport. I am concerned that he may take her and leave the country without my permission.

Q: Hello, I'm a 23-year-old Emirati woman who wants to leave the country. I have several questions, regarding leaving the country. If I leave without my parents' approval, will there be any issues at the airport particularly with the border control? If my family files a missing report, will my passport become invalid while I'm abroad, or will I face arrest upon my return? Also, if I marry someone from abroad, will obtaining documents like a single status certificate or marrying someone legally here be affected without support from my parents? Thank you for your answers!

Q: Dear Sir/Madam, At what age can a female Emirati citizen issue a new passport by herself after claiming it was stolen, without her father's permission? I'd appreciate your answers. Thanks!

Q: Dear Lawyers, Is it possible for my parents to withhold my passport from me? Due to my strict family, as an Emirati female above the age of 21, my mother is withholding my passport from me. I have the opportunity to study for my master's abroad, and my flight is due in less than 3 weeks. She hasn’t allowed me to renew my passport, nor is she aware of the opportunity due to my fear of the abuse I might receive. There is a history of both physical and emotional abuse in the past; however, the proof is only my memory. I have a voice message proving that she won’t give me my passport, and I’m afraid that they will hurt me upon knowing I’m packing my bags or lock me up. What can I do?

There are rights and obligations for both parties of the marriage contract arise as a result of divorce, which often disputed by the spouses. Here we will explain the due alimony and its types for the wife (divorced - widow) and children after divorce in accordance with the UAE Personal Status Law, Federal Law No. 28 of 2005 and its explanatory memorandum.

An interview-format article covering the topic of custody and guardianship in the UAE. This is from the legal podcast of lawyer Ludmila Yamalova, the founder of Lawgical with LYLAW.

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.