United Arab Emirates: Family Law

Why Should You Consider Registering A Will In The UAE...

What Happens When Someone Passes Away In The UAE Without A Registered Will?

Based on Decision No. (26) of 2025 issued by the Chief of the Personal Status Court of Dubai Regarding jurisdiction over financial disputes between spouses:

In 2021, Abu Dhabi introduced a landmark legal reform with the issuance of Law No. 14 of 2021, which introduced the concept of civil marriage in the UAE.

A recent ruling by a UAE court determined that persistent threats by a husband about polygamous cohabitation will be considered to be psychological or mental harm to his wife.

Dubai Law No. 9 of 2025 (the "Amendment Law"), which came into effect on 17 July 2025, introduces key amendments to Dubai Law No. 18 of 2021 regulating conciliation procedures...

UAE Civil Personal Status Law for non-Muslims: Custody is shared on an equal basis even post-divorce (Article 10 Civil Personal Status), and in case of any dispute related to joint custody, such as possession of passports of the child, the parents can request an intervention of the court.

The Federal Law No. 3 of 2016 on Child's Rights (also known as 'Wadeema's law' or 'UAE child protection law') was enacted in the UAE to ensure that all children in the UAE...

Some wives may use the Dowry term as leverage to negotiate for a smaller dowry in exchange for other benefits...