Questions & Answers
Questions & Answers
3 available 3 • View allJurisdiction of the UAE courts in a divorce case if one party is abroad
5
Q: Please, can you let me know if the UAE courts would have jurisdiction in a divorce case for a British non-Muslim UAE resident with a UAE residency visa?
The other party is a not a UAE resident nor a Muslim and has never had a UAE residency visa, but has visited the UAE on a visit visa 12 months ago and has issued (but not yet served) a divorce petition in the UK?
And does it matter when the divorce petition issued in the UK is served to the UAE resident? Will it make any difference if it is served before or after they file for divorce in the UAE?

Mar 20, 2019
3233
Divorce and division of assets in the UAE
10
Q: Hi,
I am currently negotiating a divorce with my wife who is a Russian National. We got married in 2013 in Moscow ZAGs (Registry).
I would like to know more about the division of assets upon divorce and what the correct procedures are, as I am in a deadlock with her negotiating.
We bought a property in the UAE and both contributed equally towards the down payment. However, moving forward, all mortgage payments were made by me.
I am trying to make an agreed settlement with my wife, however, she is asking more than what I feel is fair and equal. If I was to sell the property we would both end up with less.
In fact, she will end up with significantly less than what I am offering her. I would like to speak to someone with regards to the divorce proceedings and what the correct procedure is.
Jul 13, 2016
7394
Where can Muslim expats file for divorce?
1
Q: I want to file for divorce. We are Muslim family, married in Dubai under Sharia court. He is an American citizen, I am Romanian citizen and we have a 2 years old daughter.
Please let me know where can I go to file for divorce?

Sep 10, 2017
959
Legal blog
5 available 5 • View allPersonal Status Law for Non-Muslim Foreigners in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi 8
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
2573
نظرة على التعديلات الأخيرة على قانون الأحوال الشخصية الإماراتي 7
الأسرة هي عماد المجتمع، ويدور صلاحه مع صلاحها وجوداً وعدماً، فأن فسدت الاسرة فسد المجتمع؛ ولذلك اعتنت الشريعة الإسلامية بتنظيم العلاقات الاسرية أيما عناية. فالزوج والزوجة هما الأصول التي يتفرع منها الأبناء، فإن لم تستقِم العلاقة بينهما انعكس ذلك على بقية أفراد الاسرة من الأبناء وبالتالي فسد مجتمع الأسرة. وفي دولة الامارات العربية المتحدة يولي المشرع اهتماماً بشؤون الأسرة من خلال قانون الأحوال الشخصية الإماراتي وتقنينه من وقت لآخر بإجراء عدد من التعديلات عليه لكي يتماشى مع أوضاع الأسرة المختلفة.
Dec 5, 2021
4221
Custody & Guardianship in the UAE 4
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.
May 6, 2021
3150
Tips on Winning Legally at Court and out of Court 2
Winning the Lawttery - what it means to 'win at all costs' in the courtroom and what are the implications of a legal victory. UAE lawyer Diana Hamade shares through this article tips on winning legally while navigating through all possible ways to avoid losing while winning.
Jul 18, 2019
2400
Choosing the Jurisdiction of Expatriate Divorces in the UAE 7
An interview-format article covering the topic of divorce for expatriates in the UAE and seeking to apply the laws of their countries. This is from the legal podcast of lawyer Ludmila Yamalova, the founder of Lawgical with LYLAW.
Feb 13, 2020
2961
Laws & Regulations
1 available 1 • View allFederal Law No. (28) of 2005 On Personal Status 24
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
49125

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هل يمكن الزواج من إماراتي عسكري متقاعد عالمعاش بدون تقديم موافقه من جهه العمل؟ 0
السلام عليكم
هل يمكن الزواج من إماراتي عسكري متقاعد عالمعاش بدون تقديم موافقه من جهه العمل؟
وإذا تم الزواج فعلاً، هل يتاثر الزوج أو يتعاقب؟
وفي حال لم يقل الزوج مكان عمله، هل المأذون له طريقه ليعرف جهه العمل؟
هل يمكن الزواج عن بعد إذا كان الولي (الأخ) خارج الإمارات ولا يحمل هويه إماراتيه؟
وهل يجب فقط الشهود من نفس جنسيه الزوجة؟ هل هذا شرط ؟
واذا لم يتوفر، لا أستطيع تقديم طلب نهائي من شهود جنسيات أخرى مع العلم أن الزواج خارج المحكمة مع مأذون في عجمان.
مع العلم أن الزوج إماراتي متقاعد والزوجه أردنية (مطلقه مع شهادة طلاق صادرة من وزارة العدل بينونة كبرى) وشهادة وفاة ولي الأمر (والدي) من الإمارات، وفحص طبي من الإمارات.
Apr 24, 2025
30
هل تقسم الأملاك بعد الطلاق بين الزوجين وفق القانون الإماراتي؟ 0
هل تقسم الأملاك بعد الطلاق بين الزوجين وفق القانون الإماراتي؟
Apr 25, 2025
26
كيف يمكنني الاستعلام عن قضية إبعاد أمني ومحاولة العودة إلى الإمارات؟ 0
السلام عليكم،
أود الاستفسار بشأن قضية إبعاد زوج خالتي من دولة الإمارات العربية المتحدة. زوج خالتي كان مقيماً في الإمارات وكان قد وُلد وترعرع هناك.
في عام 2013 تم إبعاده من الإمارات، وكان ذلك نتيجة لسياسات حكومية كانت تستهدف مجموعة من المقيمين في تلك الفترة، وهو لم يكن قد ارتكب أي مخالفة في ذلك الوقت وكان يُعتبر ضحية للسياسات المتبعة.
أرغب في معرفة الإجراءات التي يجب أن أتبعها حالياً من أجل رفع هذا الإبعاد وتمكينه من العودة إلى الإمارات.
أرجو أن توضح لي كيف يمكنني مساعدته في هذا الموضوع.
شكراً جزيلاً.
May 1, 2025
15
How can we recover a salary advance to a new employee if he fails to come to duty and uses alcohol? 0
As the HR manager of a company, I have issued a salary advance to the employee. Upon joining, he failed to go to duty and used alcohol daily in the camp.
I have a signed thumb-impression cash receipt. What options do I have to recover the AED 7000 advance paid to the employee?
Please help.
Regards,
B.
Apr 16, 2025
53
Can my sister file a claim for compensation after a criminal case for sexual harassment? 0
Hello,
My sister filed a criminal case against her employer (sexual harassment), and it is already with the Public Prosecutor.
Her employer refuses to compensate her at all. Can we file a civil claim? When should we do it?
Can we still file a civil claim after the judgment of the case?
Apr 25, 2025
48

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What can I do if my ex-wife, who has custody of our daughter, is living with her boyfriend? 0
Hello,
My ex-wife has custody of our 3-year-old daughter. She is a converted Muslim, but she has a Christian boyfriend, and I think they are living together.
What actions can I take about it?
Apr 21, 2025
74
My tenant was supposed to vacate as per the contract. Can I rent the property to another tenant? 0
Good morning.
My tenant was supposed to vacate the property on 15th April 2025 as per the contract.
Now he is not answering the phone, and the property is still in use.
Please guide the way forward. I have already rented the property to a new tenant.
Apr 16, 2025
43
What to do if the bank filed case on me using security cheques and executed travel ban? 0
The bank filed a case against me using security cheques and executed a travel ban from Dubai Courts.
Apr 15, 2025
76
What legal action can a company take to recover an amount from a non-paying customer? 0
Hello,
We are a building materials trading company based in the UAE. We supplied materials worth AED 50,000 to a customer around 8 months ago, but despite repeated follow-ups and reminders, no payment has been made to date.
We would appreciate guidance on the following:
1. What legal action can we take to recover the amount?
2. What documents should we have ready (e.g., delivery notes, invoice, emails)?
3. How long does the legal process typically take in the UAE for such cases?
4. Is there a recommended timeline or deadline after which legal steps should be initiated?
Thank you in advance for your advice!
Apr 25, 2025
52
How can I enter the UAE again if I left on an outpass due to the employer fleeing the country? 0
Dear lawyer
I seek help on whether I can return to the UAE or not. I exited the UAE on an outpass due to overstaying. I have been patient for more than 7 months.
I was advised that I am able to return to the UAE. The process was successful, and I traveled to the UAE, but I was denied entry to the UAE at immigration. Why?
I was only overstaying, I hadn't been a criminal, just my boss refused to do a visa for me.
After overstaying, my employers traveled to their country. I had no idea how to resolve the issue other than to get an outpass and go back home.
Apr 3, 2025
88

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Can a DTC holiday home permit be used as proof that my landlord re-rented the property after evicting me? 1
Hello,
My landlord vacated the property with 12 months' notice, stating he would live there himself.
However, he started renting the property through the holiday homes system.
Is a permit issued by the DTC for a holiday home valid proof to prove that he is renting and to claim compensation?
Mar 18, 2025
70
I have video recording of my husband beating me. Can I show this in the child custody hearing? 0
I have a video recording of my husband beating me in our garden.
Can I show this in the child custody hearing?
It was filmed with my phone camera
Mar 19, 2025
74
We won the case with the RDC to evict the tenant. What happens after waiting the cooling period? 0
We won the case with the RDC that the tenant has to evict the property. We are told there is a cooling period before they say the date he has to leave.
How long is the cooling period he can appeal and then what happens next if he appeals and if he doesn't?
He was served the one-year notice and then refused to leave, hence the case we raised with RDC and won.
Thank you
Mar 19, 2025
60
Can a free zone visa holder work remotely across the UAE while visiting the company weekly? 1
Hello,
Is it legally permissible for an employee holding a Fujairah free zone visa with a job role in sales and marketing to primarily work remotely from various locations, including Dubai, while visiting the Fujairah-based company once a week?
The employee would meet clients and conduct business activities on the UAE mainland.
Does this arrangement comply with UAE labor laws?
Mar 19, 2025
73
What are the working hour regulations for nursing mothers in the UAE during Ramadan? 1
Hello lawyers,
Could you please clarify the regulations regarding working hours for nursing/breastfeeding mothers in the UAE during Ramadan?
How many hours are they entitled to?
Mar 20, 2025
116

Other answers by
Can I terminate my Dubai property contract due to a 12-month delay and only 50% completion? 1
Dear Lawyers,
I bought a property in Dubai, and the developer is 12 months late with the progress still 50% incomplete.
Can I file a case and terminate the contract?
Oct 24, 2024
160
My partner is hiding documents and emptying the bank account. What can I do? 1
Dear Lawyers,
I have a 49% share in a 2-year-old Dubai mainland LLC. We are two foreign owners, both managers.
My partner, who is appointed as the main manager, is hiding all documents and keeps the bank account empty through ATM withdrawals, which prevents me from obtaining evidence or finding a buyer.
A legal notice is likely to be ignored, and removing my partner would be a lengthy process. I have no concrete evidence of a breach of trust. What are my options?
Thank you!
Aug 29, 2024
95
How can I handle bounced cheque liability with my closed LLC company? 1
Dear Experts,
I had an LLC company in Dubai, and one of my suppliers filed a case against my company due to a bounced cheque. The cheque was signed by the former finance manager (who had POA just to sign the cheques).
Now, this supplier has made the employee a party in the case alongside the company and imposed a travel ban on the signatory (finance manager). My company has been closed for the past year.
I need your expert advice on this matter. First, I want to secure the release of my former employee, and then I need to know how to protect myself from this liability, as the company is closed and I do not have the funds to settle the liability.
Please Advise!
Aug 13, 2024
191
Can I return to Dubai by paying only the court fine for a 2016 debt case? 1
Dear Sir,
I hope this message finds you well!
I am writing to seek your advice regarding a debt case filed in 2016 in the UAE. The debt amounts to approximately 45,000 AED (20,000 AED cheque amount and 25,000 AED credit card amount).
The associated interest has now possibly exceeded 150,000 AED. I have recently secured a job in Dubai and am eager to return; however, I am currently unable to pay the full debt amount.
I am aware of a court fine of 5,000 AED. I would like to understand if there is any possibility of returning to Dubai by paying only this court fine and lawyer fee.
Could you please advise on any available legal avenues or procedures that may allow me to resolve this matter and return to Dubai under these circumstances?
Your guidance on this matter would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you for your time and assistance!
Best Regards,
Jul 29, 2024
158
How can I exit a partnership and reclaim my investment from an LLC company? 1
Dear Sir/Madam,
I hold a 33 percent share in an LLC Company.
I want to exit from the partnership as I don’t want to work with other partners due to their misuse of company funds.
I want to take my investment and profit up to the current date.
Jun 12, 2024
177
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