Can I get divorced in the UAE if I married abroad?

Yes — you can generally pursue a divorce in the UAE even if you married abroad, provided the UAE courts have jurisdiction, which commonly arises from residence in the UAE. You file at the personal status court in your emirate, and the case goes through the Family Guidance / reconciliation stage before a judge. You will normally need to present your foreign marriage certificate, and the court usually requires a certified Arabic translation; documents issued abroad may also need attestation or legalization depending on the court's requirements. Which substantive law applies can depend on the spouses' religion and nationality — Muslims fall under the Sharia-based personal status rules, while non-Muslim residents can use the civil personal status track, and in some cases a couple's home-country law may be applied. Because jurisdiction and applicable-law questions can be technical for cross-border marriages, get advice before filing. A verified UAE legal professional listed on LEXAI can confirm whether a UAE court can hear your case and which law would apply.