20-05-2025
Abu Dhabi: Record Dh100 million divorce case settled for expat couple
In a landmark case, the Abu Dhabi Civil Family Court has finalised a no-fault divorce between a foreign couple, resulting in a record-breaking financial settlement exceeding Dh100 million ($27 million).
The couple, previously married in the UK, filed for a no-fault divorce before the Abu Dhabi Civil Family Court. The Abu Dhabi Civil Marriage Law No 14 of 2021 allows civil, non-religious resolutions for expats in matters of marriage, divorce, wills, and inheritance. The divorce was granted in under three weeks during a single court session.
It is the largest reported divorce settlement of its kind in the Gulf region and highlights Abu Dhabi's status as a leading international legal centre. And the couple reached a financial settlement through the court, in coordination with a UK-based family law firm.
The case confirms the growing international confidence in the country's legal system, the couple's decision to choose the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department was based on the distinguished reputation of the local courts and the legislative and procedural developments they are witnessing.
The Abu Dhabi Civil Family Court is the only Family Court in the region where proceedings are conducted bilingually in English and Arabic.
Its procedures are conducted by a specialised legal team, including lawyers from Britain, to prepare the case, ensuring that foreign litigants can fully understand and navigate the process with transparency and legal certainty.
This case reflects a broader trend of high-net-worth individuals turning to Abu Dhabi for efficient and equitable handling of complex family disputes, reinforcing the emirate's emergence as a world-class legal hub for expatriates.
This development reflects the Emirate's commitment to building a world-class legal and judicial framework for expatriates family matters, comparable to those in the best international practices like the UK, United States, and Scandinavian countries — further enhancing Abu Dhabi's attractiveness as a destination for residence, work, and investment.
