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UAE Moments
3 hours ago
- General
- UAE Moments
Divorce in the UAE for Expats: Legal Process, Costs & Special Rules by Nationality
Divorce in the UAE for Expats: Full Guide 1. Introduction Divorce in the UAE can be a complex process—particularly for expatriates—due to the coexistence of Sharia (Islamic family law) and civil personal‑status laws. This guide walks you through the legal procedure, costs, timelines, and special rules based on religion or nationality. All paths begin with clarity—clarity on official governmental guidance, legal rights, and practical expectations. 2. Applicable Laws: Sharia vs. Civil Divorce Muslim Couples Muslim residents in the UAE must apply Sharia-based divorce laws under Federal Law No. 28 of 2005 ('Personal Affairs Law') and the Family Guidance Department rules. Divorce begins with a conciliation attempt, where a mediator tries to reconcile the couple. If reconciliation fails, a referral letter allows the case to proceed to court. Courts comprise Sharia courts in each emirate. After conciliation, cases move through multiple levels: Court of First Instance, Court of Cessation (appeals), and Enforcement Court. Non‑Muslim Couples Expats who are non-Muslim may choose civil divorce under Federal Decree-Law No. 41 of 2022 (effective Feb 1, 2023), which allows civil marriage, divorce, child custody, and inheritance outside Sharia. Non-Muslims who prefer can instead opt for their home country's divorce laws to govern their proceedings, subject to UAE judicial approval and federal Article 1 of Law No. 28 of 2005. 3. Step‑by‑Step Divorce Process for Expats A. Filing & Conciliation One spouse registers a divorce request at the Family Guidance Department at the judicial department in the emirate. A conciliator attempts resolution. It may take up to 60 days. If reconciliation fails, a referral letter is issued. The letter remains valid for three months. The case then proceeds to court. B. Court Proceedings Court of First Instance: Legal representation is recommended; proceedings in Arabic, interpreter may be required. This stage addresses divorce, alimony, child custody, asset distribution, etc. Court of Cessation (Appeals): No new evidence is allowed, but procedural review is permitted. Enforcement Court: Issues final judgment and ensures implementation. Non-compliance can carry penalties. C. Divorce Certificate & Attestation After judgment, a divorce certificate is issued. Fees to register the case and issue the certificate are around AED 500, plus attestation by Ministry of Justice, MOFA and foreign consulate (up to ~AED 1,200). No reconciliation is possible after final certificate; remarriage is required to restore a marital relationship. 4. Timeline & Costs Uncontested, amicable divorce: 2–3 months; contested divorce: 6–12 months. Costs: Filing: AED 500 Attestation: up to AED 1,200 Legal fees: AED 8,000–25,000 for amicable; AED 20,000–50,000+ for contested cases involving significant assets Translation of documents: AED 80 per document (approx.) Court filing fees (alternative sources): AED 2,000–3,000 + lawyer fees AED 10,000–50,000+. In summary: Total estimated cost: AED 10,000–30,000 for straightforward divorce; up to AED 50,000 or more if contested or complex. 5. Financial & Custody Considerations Alimony & Financial Claims Under civil divorce for non‑Muslims, no-fault divorce applies—no need to prove harm or blame. A divorced woman can claim alimony based on factors such as duration of marriage, age, financial position, contribution to divorce, and role as mother. For Muslim couples, alimony is determined under Sharia principles, often linked to khul' where a woman relinquishes her mahr to end the marriage Wikipedia. Child Custody & Guardianship Sharia courts prioritize the mother for custody (physical care) up to certain ages (typically 13 for girls, 11 for boys). The father retains guardianship (legal decisions and financial responsibility). Under civil personal status for non‑Muslims, custody and inheritance rules are defined by Decree‑Law 41/2022 and offer modern mechanisms to manage joint custody etc. Visa & Residency Status Contrary to common belief, a divorced wife does not automatically lose residency visa. She may apply for an independent visa via employment or company formation during a grace period. 6. Nationality & Religion‑Specific Rules Indian Expats Indian residents may choose to file for divorce in India, under conditions set by Indian jurisdiction (e.g. place of marriage, last joint residence, spouse's hometown). Alternatively, they may proceed under UAE civil or Sharia law, depending on religion and preference. Other Nationalities / Religions Christians, Jews, Hindus, Buddhists, etc. (non-Muslims) can use UAE civil family courts in Abu Dhabi or Dubai to opt for personal status law based on their home country or civil family law as defined under Decree‑Law 41/2022. Pre‑2023, non-Muslim expats defaulted to Sharia law unless permitted otherwise—but recent reform allows wider choice. Muslims All Muslim divorces must follow Sharia courts process, regardless of nationality. Islamic rules apply to alimony, inheritance, khul', etc. 7. Official Government Resources UAE Government Portal – Divorce Information page: outlines legal grounds, procedures for both Muslim and non-Muslim couples. UAE Family Guidance Department (Judicial Dept websites by emirate): for conciliation appointments and case filing. Dubai Courts / Abu Dhabi Judicial Dept: court systems and enforcement procedures. Ministry of Justice & Ministry of Foreign Affairs: required for attestation of divorce certificates. 8. Exceptions & Special Considerations Expats must evaluate whether to opt into UAE personal status law or home country law early in proceedings—this affects financial claims, inheritance, and custody outcomes. In Abu Dhabi, civil family courts for non-Muslims were established in November 2021. They allow more flexible procedures and civil divorce options under Abu Dhabi's Law No. 14/2021. Appeals must be filed within 28 days of judgment; clerical errors may extend deadlines slightly. Contested divorces involving assets across borders may require expert valuation and financial evidence in court. UAE courts may not enforce foreign settlements unless registered locally. 9. Conclusion & Practical Tips Start with Family Guidance Department in your emirate to open your record and conciliation process. Prepare all translated and attested documents: marriage certificate, passports, IDs, salary statements, bank records, children's birth certificates. Decide early whether to opt for civil or Sharia process, and if civil, whether to apply UAE or home country law. Secure legal representation especially if the case is contested, involves assets or children—expected legal fees AED 15,000–50,000+. Timeline estimates: amicable divorce 2–3 months; contested divorce up to 12 months. Understand custody and alimony rules based on your chosen law framework. Ensure visa and residency status —seek advice immediately post-divorce to avoid lapses. By navigating the nuances of religion, nationality, and choice of legal framework, expatriates in the UAE can manage divorce proceedings effectively. Whether opting for a civil path under modern legal reforms or Sharia law for Muslim couples, it's essential to work with experienced representation and follow official procedures to protect your rights. If you'd like assistance crafting a timeline checklist or template document list, I'd be happy to help further.
The Star
4 hours ago
- Business
- The Star
CIMB Niaga posts 1H25 pre-tax profit of IDR4.4 trillion
PETALING JAYA: PT Bank CIMB Niaga Tbk (CIMB Niaga) has reported a consolidated profit before tax of 4.4 trillion rupiah for the first half of 2025 (1H25), supported by consistent loan growth, a healthy funding profile, as well as strong capital and liquidity positions. Earnings per share stood at 137.43 rupiah, reflecting solid profitability in a competitive operating environment. 'In 1H25, CIMB Niaga delivered a balanced performance, reflecting the resilience of our strategy and the discipline of our execution,' said Lani Darmawan, the bank's president director. 'We recorded healthy and prudent loan growth in line with our risk appetite and market dynamics, while maintaining stable asset quality, robust capital and liquidity, and a well-diversified revenue base, all of which reinforce the strength of our franchise.' CIMB Niaga is an indirect, 91.44% subsidiary of CIMB Group Holdings Bhd . As of June 30, the bank's total consolidated assets reached 357.9 trillion rupiah, solidifying its position as Indonesia's second largest privately owned bank. Total loans increased by 6.8% year-on-year (y-o-y) to 231.8 trillion rupiah, driven by broad-based growth across key segments. Corporate banking led with a 9.3% increase, while small and medium enterprises (SMEs) expanded by 7.3% and consumer banking grew 4.7%. Within retail lending, auto loans stood out, surging 26.7% y-o-y. At the same time, the lender also reported strong performance on the funding side, as total deposits rose to 261.9 trillion rupiah, an increase of 4.8% y-o-y, while current account-savings account (CASA) grew by 10.9% to 180.6 trillion rupiah, boosting the CASA ratio to 69.0%. 'This growth reflects stronger customer relationships and enhanced digital touchpoints,' CIMB Niaga stated. Capital and liquidity indicators remain robust, with a capital adequacy ratio of 24% and a loan-to-deposit ratio of 87.3%, supporting ongoing lending capacity and operational resilience. CIMB Niaga's Islamic banking arm, CIMB Niaga Syariah, retained its position as the largest Sharia business unit in Indonesia. As of June, Sharia financing reached 59.6 trillion rupiah, up 2.5% y-o-y, largely due to growth in the wholesale and commercial segments. Total third-party deposits under the Sharia unit stood at 48.2 trillion rupiah. The bank highlighted its focus on expanding low-cost funding through strategic Islamic partnerships and deeper community engagement. Notably, Lani said sustainability remained a strategic focus in 1H25. 'With sustainability being a key priority, nearly 25% of the bank's total financing, or equivalent to 57.6 trillion rupiah, supports a just transition, low-carbon economy, and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals,' she pointed out. CIMB Niaga also participated in the launch of the Indonesia Carbon Exchange in January and took steps to reduce its operational carbon footprint, including the installation of solar panels at one of its Yogyakarta branches in June 2025. Looking ahead, Lani said the bank will continue to allocate capital strategically to drive sustainable growth and stronger risk-adjusted returns. 'As we stay true to our purpose of advancing customers and society, our focus remains clear to provide banking solutions that are simpler, better, and faster, enabling customers to thrive and supporting inclusive progress for the communities we serve,' said Lani.
NDTV
5 hours ago
- NDTV
30-Year-Old Woman, Al Qaeda Terror Module Head, Arrested From Bengaluru
A 30-year-old woman has been arrested from Bengaluru for her alleged links with Al Qaeda. Sama Parveen, arrested by the Gujarat Anti-Terrorism Squad, is an alleged 'mastermind of the Al-Qaeda terror module' in India. Parveen's arrest comes days after four terrorists associated with the Al-Qaeda in Indian Subcontinent were arrested. Crackdown On Al-Qaeda Module In India On June 10, Gujarat Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) Deputy Superintendent of Police Harsh Upadhyay received intelligence that Instagram accounts like "@sharyat_ya_shahadat", "@f4rdeen_03", "@_mujahideen1", "@mujahideen.3", and "@sefullah_muja_hid313" are being used to spread anti-national and provocative messages. Terrorist content, videos, and ideology of the banned terrorist organisation Al-Qaeda in the Indian Subcontinent (AQIS) were being shared from these Instagram accounts, allegedly to provoke Muslim youth of the country and promote violence against the Indian government. ATS formulated a special investigation team, headed by Superintendent of Police K Siddharth, to crack down on the brains behind the social media accounts. The team identified four operators of the alleged Instagram accounts - Fardeen Sheikh (Fatehwadi, Ahmedabad), Saifullah Qureshi (Modasa, Gujarat), Mohammad Faiq (Chandni Chowk, Delhi), and Zeeshan Ali (Noida, Uttar Pradesh) - and arrested them on July 21 and 22. What Investigation Revealed During the investigation, AQIS literature promoting terrorism and a sword were recovered from Fardeen Sheikh. A video of him waving a sword and saying, "Bas yehi kami thi, ab sab pura ho gaya... Allahu Akbar! (This was the only thing left, not everything is complete)" was also recovered from his mobile phone. Provocative videos, content, messages encouraging religious violence and terrorist attacks and posts in support of Sharia law were found on the mobile and Instagram accounts of all four. Mohammad Faiq was also in contact with Pakistan's Instagram accounts @gujjar_sab.111 and M Salauddin Siddiqui 1360. A case has been registered against all four under various sections of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967 (UAPA) and Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). The four accused are currently under police remand and are being interrogated. ATS is also investigating 62 social media accounts.
The Herald Scotland
a day ago
- Health
- The Herald Scotland
Sandie Peggie tribunal hears racist jokes were dark humour
She was placed on special leave after Dr Upton made an allegation of bullying, harassment and patient safety concerns. Ms Peggie was recalled as a witness by her legal team following an explosive evidence session on Monday, which heard the nurse was accused of racism and homophobic by colleagues and former friends. In evidence, Ms Peggie told the tribunal jokes she shared about the 2022 floods in Pakistan, which killed 1,739 people, were sent in "dark humour" and were intended to shock the small group of friends in a Benidorm group chat. The tribunal heard she shared 10 jokes relating to the flooding disaster, including describing the aftermath as looking like a "giant bowl of coco pops". Another joke shared said there was "too many P***'s" in Britain" and said they could be returned to Pakistan. Ms Peggie admitted these jokes were "offensive". But she also said there was "too much illegal immigration". Read more: The nurse also said she could not remember saying she wanted to throw a packet of bacon at a mosque being built in Kirkcaldy but said that it would have been said it "dark humour" if she did. She said: "I wouldn't offend any Muslim people by speaking like that in front of them." Defending the messages joking about Pakistan, Ms Peggie said: "Looking at them, they're distasteful. "At the time they were sent in dark humour, expecting a shocked reaction from the girls." Ms Peggie also told the tribunal she used the racial slur 'P***' regularly when growing up and said the community in her neighbour were "quite happy" with this at the time. Asked by NHS Fife's lawyer Jane Russell KC whether she did not like the Kirkcaldy mosque, Ms Peggie said: "I can't say I didn't like it, but I had a fear of it being built." The lawyer asked whether this was because Ms Peggie had a "fear of Muslims" and is "frightened" of Sharia law. Ms Peggie agreed. She told the tribunal she had used the "Ch***" slur, but said she did not use it to describe restaurants in her neighbourhood. She said she has "never heard my Chinese neighbours complain" about the term. Discussing the Dr Upton's use of the female changing room, Ms Peggie said she did not recall describing the medic as a "weirdo". Ms Peggie said: "I think he looks strange because he is obviously a man who wants to wear women's clothing." The nurse also rejected evidence from her former friends that she was "homophobic" and "devastated" when her daughter came out as gay. Read more: Ms Peggie said she was "originally upset" but only because she feared her daughter would be "ridiculed" by people. The nurse then told the tribunal: "I don't have any bad feelings towards trans people, I just don't believe they should be in the women's changing room." Earlier, the tribunal heard from consultant Dr Maggie Currer, who told the tribunal Dr Upton was "chromosomally male". However, Dr Currer said she did not think it would be appropriate to inform female medical staff of Dr Upton's trans status to check if they were comfortable. She told the tribunal in "hindsight" that she "could have". Ms Peggie's lawyer Naomi Cunningham put it to Dr Currer that "Dr Upton is quite simply biologically male". Dr Currer said: 'She's chromosomally male, as far as I'm aware. 'Although I've not examined Dr Upton she's also in terms of genitalia male, but I have not examined her.' The evidence in the employment tribunal came to an end, with a third witness - Emma Moore, an administrator at Sex Matters, also giving evidence. She told the tribunal that she had received an anonymous call from a worker at NHS Fife at the weekend, with the employee telling the organisation that people were "frightened" to talk about the case at work. In cross examination, Ms Russell KC said Ms Moore's evidence amounted to "no more than you recounting what someone else told you". Employment Judge Sandy Kemp concluded the tribunal, stating that supplementary statements can be submitted up to August 25, while a date for oral statements from Ms Russell and Ms Cunningham was set for September 1 and 2.
The Herald Scotland
a day ago
- Health
- The Herald Scotland
NHS Fife: Key points as Sandie Peggie defends racist comment
The crucial evidence heard from a key witness describing Dr Upton as a 'chromosomal male', while Ms Peggie took the stand to defend comments she made which were described as racist. Here are the key points from today's hearing. 'Need to know' group Dr Currer told the tribunal she did not believe she had compromised the investigation by emailing a 'need to know' group of colleagues about the Christmas Eve incident that led to Ms Peggie's suspension. She also rejected claims that it was 'grossly improper' for her to send that email. The email referenced a desire to avoid 'foot and mouth disease' – or gossiping – about the investigation. But Naomi Cunningham, representing Ms Peggie, suggested that Dr Currer had been attempting to create a small email 'working group' to discuss the case. 'Do you not see a problem with that?' the barrister asked. Dr Currer said: "At that time the investigation had not been completed. The reported behaviour was unacceptable and one of the issues with problems and bullying and harassment is that it is impossible to help if we do not know about it." Upton 'chromosomally male' After a long discussion about chromosomes and biological sex, Dr Currer stated that Dr Upton was 'chromosomally male'. It was put to the doctor by Ms Cunningham that Dr Upton is 'quite simply biologically male'. Ms Currer told the tribunal: 'Although I've not examined Dr Upton she's also in terms of genitalia, male but I have not examined her.' But the tribunal also heard that Dr Currer did not believe the right way of approaching Upton's use of the women's changing room would have been to check if medical staff were 'comfortable'. She said: 'In hindsight I could have checked with medical staff whether or not they were going to be comfortable with Dr Upton using the female changing rooms.' Dr Currer added: 'I'm still not sure that advertising Dr Upton's trans status would have been the right thing to do.' 'Dark humour' Ms Peggie began her evidence by defending comments she shared about the devastating floods in Pakistan, which killed 1,739 people. The nurse said these were comments shared with a private group of friends "Looking at them, they're distasteful," Ms Peggie said. "At the time it was sent in dark humour, expecting a shocked reaction from the girls. I think there was one laughing emoji." Ms Peggie also told the tribunal that she used the racial term 'P***' often when growing up as it was 'normal' in the community. She was asked about her alleged comments where she said she would throw a packet of bacon at a mosque, and claims about immigrants. The nurse told the tribunal she would not treat patients or staff differently because of their race or ethnicity. Ms Peggie told the tribunal she had a fear of Muslims and Sharia law. She did however said she would not say these comments around Muslim people to avoid 'offense'. On illegal immigration, Ms Peggie defended a joke about the floods in Pakistan by stating that 'Britain has too many P***'s' if they want some back'. She was also asked whether it was offensive to refer to the aftermath of the floods in Pakistan as looking like a 'giant bowl of coco pops'. She agreed this was offensive. 'I am not homophobic' Ms Peggie also defended allegations she was homophobic. In evidence, Lindsay Nicoll said yesterday the nurse had been 'devastated' by her daughter coming out as gay. Ms Peggie told the tribunal that she was 'originally upset' and worried about the prejudice held by other people. She also said: 'I don't have any bad feelings towards trans people. I just don't think they should use the female changing room."
