What law applies to a Muslim couple's divorce in the UAE?

For Muslim couples, divorce in the UAE is governed by the UAE Personal Status Law, which is based on Sharia principles and administered through the personal status courts in each emirate. The process still begins with the mandatory Family Guidance / reconciliation stage, and if the marriage cannot be saved the case proceeds to the personal status judge, who rules on the divorce and connected matters such as custody, maintenance and the waiting period (iddah). Divorce can be initiated by the husband, or sought by the wife on recognized grounds or through khul' (where she may seek divorce, often in return for forgoing certain financial rights). A pronounced or court divorce is then registered. In some situations the law allows a couple's home-country law to be applied, but UAE personal status rules commonly govern residents. Because outcomes depend on the specific facts and how the court applies the law, confirm details with the court and get advice. You can compare verified UAE legal professionals on LEXAI to advise on your circumstances.