Ending a marriage in the UAE has changed a great deal in recent years, and the route you take depends on whether you are governed by Muslim personal status law or the civil law for non-Muslims. This guide walks through how divorce works in 2025, step by step. It is general information, not advice on your case — for that, speak to our divorce lawyers in Dubai.
Two systems: which one applies to you
Muslim couples (Emirati or expatriate) are governed by the Personal Status Law — Federal Decree-Law No. 41 of 2024, in force since 15 April 2025. Non-Muslim expatriates are governed by the Civil Personal Status Law — Federal Decree-Law No. 41 of 2022 — applied by dedicated non-Muslim family courts, which allows a straightforward no-fault divorce where neither spouse has to prove blame. In some cases your home-country law can apply instead.
The steps
- Family guidance / conciliation. Most cases begin with an attempt at amicable settlement.
- Filing. The case is filed at the competent family court.
- Hearings and judgment. The court of first instance hears the case and issues a judgment.
- Appeal. Either side may appeal within the set time limit.
Amicable vs contested
An amicable (mutual-consent) divorce is the fastest and cheapest route and can conclude in a few weeks. A contested divorce — where finances, fault or children are disputed — takes longer because it passes through conciliation, first-instance hearings and any appeal.
Money and children
The financial settlement covers spousal maintenance, the division of assets and the treatment of the family home. Custody and guardianship are decided separately from the divorce and changed significantly in 2025 — see our guide to child custody in the UAE.
How we help
We advise on which law and court apply, work to settle terms early, and represent you through filing, hearings and enforcement — in Arabic and English. Talk to our divorce lawyers in Dubai or call +971 54 388 0722.
Related reading: Family Law in the UAE.