Abu Dhabi’s Civil Family Court has concluded a high-profile no-fault divorce case involving a foreign couple, resulting in a record-breaking financial settlement exceeding AED 100 million ($27 million). According to a Khaleej Times report, the case has set a new benchmark for divorce settlements in the Gulf region.
The couple, who were originally married in the United Kingdom, opted to dissolve their marriage under Abu Dhabi’s Civil Marriage Law No 14 of 2021, which allows expatriates to resolve family matters, including divorce, through civil, non-religious proceedings. The divorce was granted swiftly — in less than three weeks — following a single court session.
This case, the largest of its kind in the region, underscores Abu Dhabi’s growing reputation as a leading international legal hub. The financial settlement was negotiated with the assistance of a UK-based family law firm, reflecting the international confidence in the local judicial system.
The Abu Dhabi Civil Family Court, the only family court in the region to offer bilingual proceedings in English and Arabic, has attracted high-net-worth individuals seeking efficient and transparent resolutions for complex family disputes. With a team of specialized legal professionals, including British lawyers, the court provides clear and accessible legal guidance for foreign litigants.
