Tim
Welcome to MIRA Business FM and The Morning Drive. Today we are focusing on family law in the UAE, covering civil and Muslim marriages, prenuptial agreements, divorce, child custody, asset division, and mediation. This includes everything from when relationships are strong to when things unfortunately begin to break down. These matters are governed under the UAE’s personal status laws. Joining me once again is Ludmila Yamalova, Managing Partner at LYLaw here in Dubai.
You have recently qualified as a licensed mediator accredited by the ADR Center. This is a global certification, correct?
Ludmila
Yes, it is. Thank you for the recognition. Dubai has been working to enhance its mediation framework and strengthen the availability of mediation as a recognized dispute resolution method. There is a mediation center being established, and the government is training mediators to support the increased use of mediation as an alternative to litigation.
Mediation allows parties to set aside their differences and work together to find common ground instead of going through court and incurring the time and expense that litigation brings.
Tim
Why did you decide to pursue formal mediation training?
Ludmila
I have always taken a problem-solving approach. When clients come to me, I first try to assess if there is a reasonable, amicable way to resolve the issue without escalating to court. Before the training, I thought I was already using mediation techniques, but I learned through the course that mediation is a specialized professional skill. The training has been incredibly useful, and I actively apply it in my daily work now.
Tim
This must be particularly relevant to divorce cases.
Ludmila
Very much so. Divorce cases are highly emotional and often contentious. Clients may come in focused on conflict or retribution. They are exhausted and overwhelmed. Mediation gives them a way to reduce tension and move forward without a prolonged adversarial battle. It is especially helpful when parties struggle to communicate directly. Using trained mediation techniques can help restore some degree of dialogue through a neutral buffer.
Tim
Dubai has a highly diverse population. Does this contribute to more complicated family matters?
Ludmila
It does. There are mixed-nationality couples, people from different cultures and religions, blended families, and significant financial considerations. Personal status disputes can involve different legal systems and expectations. For that reason, professional frameworks and clearer procedural options are essential.
Tim
Let us talk about the personal status law framework. This regulates marriage, divorce, inheritance, alimony, custody — all family affairs in the UAE. And there have been some major reforms recently.
Ludmila
Yes. Personal status in the UAE now operates under more than one legal system, reflecting the country’s multicultural population.
Traditionally, there was only one federal personal status law, introduced in 2005, which applied to both Muslims and non-Muslims. It was rooted in Islamic principles, reflecting the UAE’s legal foundation. However, over time the UAE has introduced new laws to better accommodate non-Muslim residents and create fairer options.
Here is the structure today:
-
Federal Personal Status Law No. 41 of 2024
Effective from April 2025
Applies primarily to Muslims by default
Repealed and replaced the previous 2005 law entirely
Based on Sharia-influenced principles -
Federal Personal Status Law for Non-Muslims (Law No. 41 of 2022)
Introduced in 2022
Created a civil personal status system for non-Muslims throughout the UAE
Covers marriage, divorce, inheritance, custody, and guardianship -
Abu Dhabi Civil Family Law (Law No. 14 of 2021)
First civil personal status law in the region
Available to non-Muslims from anywhere, even without UAE residency
Efficient and modern civil marriage system with digital certification
These reforms have greatly expanded choice and clarity.
Tim
So personal status law now differs depending on whether someone is Muslim or non-Muslim.
Ludmila
Correct. There are two core categories:
• Personal status matters applying primarily to Muslims
• Civil personal status matters applying to non-Muslims
But importantly, residents now have options. A non-Muslim, for example, can request application of:
• The UAE’s civil personal status law
• The Abu Dhabi civil family law
• Their home country’s law (in certain instances)
This is a significant development. Previously the default law applied to everyone, which was challenging for many non-Muslims whose home legal concepts differ significantly from Sharia-based principles, particularly in custody and guardianship.
Tim
These changes should give residents more certainty when planning their families and futures.
Ludmila
Absolutely. Family matters are deeply personal, and having a framework compatible with one’s cultural and legal expectations is important. The UAE has recognized that and adapted accordingly.
Tim
We will explore these matters further — including civil marriages for non-Muslims, Muslim marriages, prenuptial agreements, divorce, custody, asset division, and mediation — in the next part of the program. This is MIRA Business FM.
For the full visual experience, watch the episode on YouTube.
