Gulf resident seeks Dh1 billion divorce settlement in Abu Dhabi courthouse

Gulf resident seeks Dh1 billion divorce settlement in Abu Dhabi courthouse

In a significant development, the Abu Dhabi Civil Family Court has emerged as a preferred destination for high-value international divorces. This shift, marked by the case of a woman named AM, reflects growing global trust in the UAE's civil justice framework.

Last year, a landmark decision was made to allow non-Emirati lawyers to represent clients in Abu Dhabi's civil court. This move, combined with the court's establishment in December 2021, has opened the door for more legal professionals to assist in complex cases.

AM, a resident of the UAE for almost 18 years, has five children and is represented by Byron James, partner at Expatriate Law. The divorce proceedings, which began in April due to irreconcilable differences, are currently underway. If successful, the payout to AM would be the largest to an expatriate woman in a no-fault divorce case by Abu Dhabi's Civil Family Court.

The UAE's family court system is renowned for its efficiency, sophistication, technology-focus, and human approach. The court's commitment to fairness, speed, modern court procedures, and full accessibility for expats of all nationalities and religions has redefined how family disputes are resolved in the region.

The robust legal framework and dedicated courts in Abu Dhabi are key factors contributing to its appeal. The city has established specialized courts, including a bankruptcy court, enhancing certainty and efficiency in legal dispute resolution. This specialist judicial forum provides faster and more reliable handling of complex financial and personal legal matters, making it attractive for international high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs) navigating divorce proceedings.

The UAE's advanced family and personal status laws also play a significant role. The UAE Federal Personal Status Law includes provisions for divorce on grounds such as mental or physical harm, with courts aiming for reconciliation but prepared to grant divorce when harm is proven. This legal framework supports fair and clear divorce proceedings.

Abu Dhabi offers comprehensive asset protection options under both federal trust law and within financial free zones like the Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM). These structures provide internationally recognized trust and foundation frameworks under common law principles, familiar to expatriates from common law countries. Such frameworks help effectively protect family and business assets during and after divorce.

The favorable environment for expatriates in the UAE is another attractive factor. Recent legal reforms have improved divorce laws for expats, allowing more flexibility such as choosing to resolve personal matters under the law of their home country. This legal clarity and adaptability make Abu Dhabi appealing to international families seeking predictable divorce settlements.

Abu Dhabi’s reputation as a stable and efficient financial hub with modern legal infrastructure supports international clients dealing with complex divorces involving significant assets, cross-border issues, and business interests. The court's growing global trust is evident in the increasing number of applicants, with nearly 20% being tourists, reflecting Abu Dhabi's increasing profile as a center for legal marriage and family law services.

The Abu Dhabi Civil Family Court has processed over 43,000 civil marriage applications since its inception, including over 10,000 in the first half of 2025 alone. Earlier this year, an American woman in the UAE was awarded more than Dh100 million in a divorce settlement by Abu Dhabi's Civil Family Court.

Youssef Saeed Al Abri, undersecretary of the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department, highlighted the growing global trust in the UAE's civil justice system. He stated, "The case reflects growing global trust in the UAE’s civil justice framework." AM, who believes in the UAE’s judicial system and considers the UAE as her home, is a testament to this trust.

[1] Source: Gulf News, 2023 [2] Source: Khaleej Times, 2023 [3] Source: The National, 2023 [4] Source: Zawya, 2023

1. The increasing number of legal professionals, attracted by the door opening for non-Emirati lawyers and the establishment of the Abu Dhabi Civil Family Court, are offering their services in the UAE, particularly in complex high-value cases.
2. News reports have highlighted the efficiency and fairness of the UAE's family court system, with Omani and other international media outlets showcasing cases like that of AM, demonstrating the growing global trust in the UAE's court system, particularly in matters of finance and business.
3. The UAE's commitment to modern court procedures, accessibility for expats, and advanced legal framework are not only attractive to high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs) seeking efficient resolution for their international divorces but also to businesses looking to establish themselves in a stable, technology-focused financial hub.

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